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3 Vintage rides scheduled for the upcoming season: January 20,2018: Savoy Kanary Kats/ February 11,2018: Bernardston-Gill-Leyden Snowmobile Club/ February 18,2018: Knox Trail Sno-Riders/ Stay tuned for more info on the rides in the next few weeks. ...Read more

The Easy Riders Snowmobile Club is busy working on Trips throughout New England and Eastern Canada. We currently have one trip planned for January to Ft. Kent Maine and working on a 6 day Gaspe Quebec tour for January and ...Read more

We would like to alert all of the people that ride the Conway Snowmobile Club Trail System that there has been a permanent trail closure due to the construction of a new house.This closure on Trail 5 is from intersection ...Read more

We have a new section of speed limited quiet zone… From the Leyden fire pit at intersection BG-12 running west on corridor 2 to The road crossing at Frizzle hill. This is due to kids and pets out in the ...Read more

Stan Kopala, The Godfather of Greylock, known for his outspoken style, can-do spirit and love of snowmobiling, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Berkshire Medical Center-North Adams. A dedicated member of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, Stan also served ...Read more

Snowmobiling is a year round sport. It is not uncommon to have regular meetings throughout the year to prepare for the upcoming season. Sledmass is no different. So it was not unusual to have a meeting of the executive committee ...Read more

The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association has named Dan Gould as executive director. Dan will be responsible for executive leadership, communications, representation and administration. He will officially start July 1, 2017. It is with mixed emotions that I step down as ...Read more

For years I had a two-place enclosed snowmobile trailer and never gave much thought to towing and payload capacity. As much as I enjoyed the nimbleness of a compact trailer, my two teenage boys informed me that I should spend ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors invite you to celebrate your association at the upcoming SAM Annual Meeting and dinner. Participate, relax and enjoy dinner with your friends, while you participate in the business meeting and the honoring ...Read more

The new 2018 Ski-Doo snowmobiles have been announced, the biggest news being a wider availability of models the latest 850 E-TEC engine and REV Gen4 chassis. Ski-Doo also introduced the new SHOT starter system that is 20 pounds lighter than ...Read more

Make plans now to attend the manufacturers’ 2018 Snowmobile Sneak Peek near you and see next year’s sleds now… before anyone else. The 2018 Snowmobile Sneak Peek features new 2018 snowmobiles from Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha, most shows are free ...Read more

SAM is proud to announce a new snowmobile club. The Snow Riders of the Nashaway were approved by the SAM Board of Directors and are now an officially recognized club of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts. Welcome aboard! The Snow ...Read more

Planning a snowmobile trip can be complicated, especially the first one of the season. Here’s what you need to go sledding, written by Iwana B. Riding (AKA Randy Toth). “Guess what honey, it’s starting to snow,” I called out excitedly ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Michael Sarafin is the new treasurer of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and a member of the Worthington Snowmobile Club. Mike has been riding snowmobiles for 22 years. His current snowmobile is a 2011 ...Read more

Arctic Cat Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement under which Textron Inc. will acquire Arctic Cat in a cash transaction valued at approximately $247 million, plus the assumption of existing debt. Under the terms of the ...Read more

Groomers are expensive, starting in the tens of thousands for small units and the hundreds of thousands for the large snow movers. You may wonder how clubs can afford to purchase groomer and pay for repairs. It’s not easy. The ...Read more

Timber Harvesting and Snowmobile Trails in Massachusetts By Randy Toth Mention the word logging today and many people immediately assume the worst. They envision “clear-cut” logging – cutting down every tree in sight for miles around. The Department of Conservation ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the Mass Vintage Snowmobile Club announce the 2017 vintage snowmobile rides. If you have a snowmobile enthusiast in the family, they’re sure to love reliving the past. So rev the engine, puff a little blue ...Read more

Here are the Top 10 Snowmobile Stories of 2016, written by fellow members of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, just for you! It’s a mix of products, experiences, opinions, humor and fun. It’s also an invitation for you to send ...Read more

Snowmobile Russia? Yes, I snowmobiled in Russia, without a doubt the greatest adventure of my life. The invitation to snowmobile in Russia was on the table for years, problem is, I hate flying. So what changed my mind? Lack of ...Read more

The Sledmass clubs delivered a Merry Christmas for the Toys For Tots program again this year, now an annual fundraiser. There were so many toys that we couldn’t even fit all of them into the hall at the Oak Ridge ...Read more

SNOWRAMA: Nine snowmobile concepts. Do you love the feel of gliding over soft powder while astride your favorite snowmobile? Have you spent the winter helping out friends and family thanks to your trusty snowmobile? Whether it is outdoor sporting activities ...Read more

The temperatures are starting to drop, the leaves have been falling and the Big Box stores have had Christmas decorations out for at least two months. So, we all know what that means. Yup… Its time to support your snowmobile ...Read more

From time to time there are questions about SAM. I hope this Q&A clarifies how the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts operates and why our partnership is key to the success of snowmobiling and the economy. SAM is not a company, it is ...Read more

The 2017 Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program grant round is now open! Please visit the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) website for updated grant guidelines, application materials, and past awarded projects Check out the SAM clubs that were awarded grants this past ...Read more

My snowmobile experience started, like many of my generation, on an Arctic Cat Kitty Cat. Then I remember that wonderful winter when my dad told me it was time to move up to a full-size sled. At the time he ...Read more

The 2016 Sled Expo Vintage show by The Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile Club dominated the main isle of the showroom floor. Show attendees voted for their favorite sleds and decided who took home the bling. Special thanks to Mel Scuderi and John ...Read more

The 2017 Ski-Doo MXZx 600RS racing snowmobile is designed specifically for North American snocross tracks. The sled features revised clutching, improved progressive coupling system and a refined slip gear that results in better holeshots, acceleration, traction and durability. The 2016 ...Read more

Polaris employees and Polaris riders worldwide are celebrating the life and mourning the passing of one of the company’s co-founders, David Johnson. He passed away yesterday in Roseau, Minn., after an extended illness. He was 93 years old. Since he ...Read more

The new IRBIS Dingo T150 is a 3-piece modular design snowmobile can easily be stored in your garage or even a small closet. There’s no need for a trailer to transport the Dingo T150 as it can easily and quickly ...Read more

The weather was cool and crisp autumn day, attracting 36 vintage snowmobiles and 18 vintage tractors to the Knox Trail Sno-Riders Be Bold Ride Old Sled & Tractor Show on September 25. We counted 127 vehicles at the show, which has ...Read more

The list of exhibitors for the 2016 Sled Expo is below. The Snowmobile Superstore features new sleds, trailers, helmets, boots, bibs, jackets, oil and all types of accessories and services. Buy and sell at the Used Sled Corral. Vote for the ...Read more

2016 Sled Expo Vintage Show Trophies and Cash Prizes Display your sled at the biggest vintage show in Massachusetts, and maybe even win some cash! -Vote and Win- Forget about the Presidential Election, vote for the best vintage sled! Voters are automatically ...Read more

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the awarding of 30 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants for projects in local communities throughout the state totaling $1,052,985. The RTP grants, ranging from $500 to $100,000 depending on the scope of the project, serve as ...Read more

Polaris introduces the return of the all-new 2017 Polaris 600R Race Sled, the legendary XCR name and performance. The new Polaris 600R Race Sled and RUSH XCR represent the Polaris heritage of using racing as a testing and proving ground ...Read more

SAM’s legislative bill S1955 currently resides in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. It needs to be moved out of committee for action ASAP. We need your help. How can you impact our bill? You should write, email, snail mail, ...Read more

Four years ago I picked up a gem, it was set back, behind the crowd of others. After looking over the same old Ski-Doos, Cats, Yamahas, etc, I found an odd-ball sled that until now I had only seen online ...Read more

In response to ongoing requests from snowmobilers in Massachusetts, SAM has implemented significant changes to better serve our members. At the May meeting of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, the Board of Directors voted on a number of key proposals ...Read more

The 2017 Farmers’ Almanac is warning those in New England to get their snowblowers ready, winter is back! For SAM members that also means get your snowmobiles prepped for a long season of riding. Farmers’ Almanac editor Peter Geiger, Philom ...Read more

The Wemotaci is new generation of snowmobile that would burn hydrogen instead of gasoline. The Wemotaci’s modified 888 cc two-stroke engine would produce over 144hp without polluting the atmosphere with carbon monoxide. The concept vehicle is featured at Imaginactive. The Background ...Read more

Although Al Joy Tire and Arctic Cat are located in Connecticut they have long been a big supporter of the Knox Trail Sno-Riders in Massachusetts. The Club often calls the dealership looking for parts, advice or technical information for their ...Read more

It’s important that clubs have a representative at SAM meetings, it’s even better when three members regularly attend the monthly meetings. Participation in the state association is vital to a healthy organization. The Worthington Snowmobile Club participates in the Snowmobile ...Read more

Here, we have a snowmobile volunteer without an official title. John Rackem’s role is out on the trails, making sure projects are completed, organizing what is needed, where it is needed, and when. As a trail worker, John is always ...Read more

The Crowningshield family is always working on trails of the Indianhead Snowmobile Club and always makes sure the Cookie Bash landowners appreciation event happens, no matter what. Matt Crowningshield is the president and treasurer of the club and his family ...Read more

John Puffer is considered the backbone of the Porcupine Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. “It’s kind of ironic nominating John for groomer of the year, during a season without snow, but this is a guy who is constantly thinking and dreaming ...Read more

Everyone should meet this remarkable young man. Colin Mackie is a quiet, younger version of his dad, Keith Mackie. They both love working with their hands and being outdoors. Colin is an avid outdoors person who loves snowmobiling, fishing and ...Read more

This story dates back a few decades, to a time when a local club had fallen into disrepair and how an enthusiastic volunteer resurrected it. Having a passion for snowmobiling since boyhood, Rusty Coombs interest in snowmobiling was rekindled when ...Read more

Removing a snowmobile clutch with water, also know as the water trick, is becoming a common technique in snowmobile garages. Removing a primary clutch is straightforward if you have the proper tools. Even then, a stubborn clutch sometimes refuses to ...Read more

Polaris brings back a famous model name with the 2017 Polaris Rush XCR. The new “rider-centric” RUSH AXYS XCR chassis is designed for the big bump crowd. The Rush XCR LE can be had with either the 800 or 600 ...Read more

DCR Announces Public Meetings for Forest Management Projects in H.O. Cook, October Mountain, Sandisfield, Savoy, Wendell, Oakham and Townsend State Forests. The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Bureau of Forestry will be hosting the following public meetings to discuss ...Read more

It finally happened. The Yamaha factory bolted a turbocharger to a 4-stroke engine and are making it available for public consumption. No more add on turbo kits or compromises. The 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder will deliver close to 200 HP, making ...Read more

For 2017 Arctic Cat swings a big bat with the all new 9000 Series snowmobiles powered by an outrageous 998cc turbocharged triple four-stroke engineered and manufactured by Yamaha. While Arctic Cat is officially pegging output at 180 horsepower, independent voices ...Read more

It’s clear that the clubs and volunteers were running in overdrive this season. Sure, it can be a thankless job. Many of you volunteer to be with friends or have fun with the family. Some of you do it because ...Read more

Ken Packie carved this 1966 Ski-Doo Olympic for the Knox Trail Sno-Riders from a single log. The sculpture is used as a fundraiser, with money going into a slot behind the windshield, like a piggy bank. Knox club president Jeff ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Peter Blake is a member of the Northfield Snowmobile Club and has been riding snowmobiles for 40 years. His current snowmobile is a 2003 Arctic Cat Pantera 550. Club position: Currently serving as the ...Read more

There’s nothing worse than the realization that you have lost something, especially if it’s expensive, has sentimental value or is vital to your well-being. It’s immediately painful, the eyes bulge, followed by a loss of breath, and a twitch as ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors invite you to celebrate your association at the upcoming SAM Annual Meeting and dinner on Thursday, April 7, 2016. Participate, relax and enjoy dinner with your friends, while you participate in the ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Spike Wheeler is a member of the Colrain Sno-Drifters and has been riding sleds for 45 years. His current ride is a 2012 Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 600 ACE. Sled mods: Just a bigger windscreen. ...Read more

Last fall I set up a 4-wheel-drive Suzuki Carry Mini Truck with tracks (also know as the Snowzuki) to use as a groomer for the trails that are taken care of by the Buckland Riders. It’s been a fun project ...Read more

The Rapid Deployment Snow Vehicle / RDSV is a 2 seater high speed vehicle for use in any polar environment. This was strictly a personal project, just for the fun of it said designer Juan Garcia Mansilla. The current paradigm ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SAM) and the Mass Vintage Snowmobile Club have awarded Vintage Snowmobile Rides to three clubs for 2016. The events have become extremely popular, allowing SAM members to ride their vintage sleds in a parade-like atmosphere, ...Read more

One of the most important north-south snowmobile trail corridors in Northfield is one step closer to permanent protection thanks to a partnership between landowners Bill and Nancy Ames, the Northfield Snowmobile Club, the Town of Northfield, Mount Grace Land Conservation ...Read more

The Great American Snowmobile Ski Test Part V: The Simmons Gen III Flexi Ski. Will these ski wars ever be done? Hell no! As long as there is American exceptionalism and ingenuity at work here in the USA, this reporter ...Read more

Here are the Top 10 Snowmobile Stories of 2015, all written by SAM members for your reading and riding pleasure. It’s a mix of products, experiences, opinions, humor and fun. It’s also an invitation for you to send a story ...Read more

There are many questions that every snowmobile club and their volunteers get… “Where can I get a Trail Pass?” “Where can I park?” “Where can I get a map?” But I think the hardest one to answer is, “When are ...Read more

The clubs of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts went big this year, we’re talking Ho Ho Ho Santa-size big. The sledmass clubs love Christmas shopping, especially for the Toys for Tots program. They know first-hand the magic of Christmas giving, ...Read more

Effective Engagement with Members of Congress for snowmobile enthusiasts By Ed Klim, President, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. For the past 15 years I have felt it necessary to make regular trips to Washington DC to promote snowmobile enthusiasts’ access to public ...Read more

A great mix of familiar sites and new venues will host sanctioned snowmobile racing throughout the northeast, as officials at East Coast Snocross (ECS) announce their 2016 event schedule. As it did in 2014, the circuit will begin its new ...Read more

Worcester Living magazine features a story in the just-released winter edition about snowmobiling in Central Massachusetts. The story is catered to readers who have never snowmobiled and might be interested. SAM members and local volunteers, Gerry Balchuinas, Jay Pease, Tony ...Read more

Rock Maple Racing returns to snowmobile racing after five-year hiatus, announces 2016 Rock Maple Racing Cross Country Snowmobile Races and schedule. From its origin in the winter of 1991-92 to the day it was sold in May of 2010, Rock Maple ...Read more

Jim Tucker’s review of ThermaCELL heated insoles. What’s black and gray and warm all over? Why it’s ThermaCELL heated insoles, course! That’s boot warmers to you and me. There’s an old adage that says if you’re not warm then you ...Read more

WWLP 22 News featured a video report from the SAM sponsored Special Snowmobile Registration Event by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. The registration services coincided with the Bernardston-Gill-Leyden snowmobile club’s annual swap meet. The Massachusetts Environmental Police had a mobile command center on ...Read more

Everyone is familiar with Google Street View. Who hasn’t looked up their own street address and said to themselves, “I know the day those photos were taken, the trash can is in front of the house.” But have you seen ...Read more

By Dan Gould Did you know that some of the finest snowmobiling in the world is only a few hours away? If you get up at your usual work-a-day time, hop in the truck around 6:30-7am, your skis will be ...Read more

Polaris Winning Riders Program Supports State & Provincial Snowmobile Associations and Grassroots Groups with Sales-Based Contributions. For the eleventh consecutive year, state and provincial snowmobile organizations across North America are receiving contributions from the Polaris Winning Riders program, which generates ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Matt Crowningshield is a member of the Indian Head Snowmobile Club and has been riding sleds for 24 years. His current ride is a 2003 Polaris XC-SP 600 Sled mods: I raised the handlebars, ...Read more

In 1969 my grandfather Paul Bogos, or Slim, as he was known, along with his best friend George, tried snowmobiling for the first time. It started with a ride on a new sled that belonged to a local farmer. After ...Read more

This drone video shot at the Sled Expo last year gives a good overall view of the Snowmobile Superstore as it hovers over the new snowmobile display, then the used sled corral and finally flies in for a low shot over ...Read more

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has just announced that the 2016 Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program grant applications are open. Information Sessions: Three information sessions will be held to inform and update the public on the Recreational Trails Program, ...Read more

Make a donation at the SAM Winter Clothing Drive at the Sled Expo, October 17 & 18, and get a chance to win an authentic Levi LaVallee autographed SAM map. As fall approaches we start to think about all the ...Read more

Two days, one low price! The best place to buy and sell a snowmobile. Put your sled in front of thousands of enthusiastic buyers for only $10 per item! Sell your Snowmobile, ATV or PowerSports machine at the Sled Expo, October ...Read more

Display Your Vintage Snowmobile at Sled Expo Come see some of the best vintage snowmobiles in New England at the Sled Expo, October 17 and 18. Better yet, put your vintage sled on display in front of thousands of rabid ...Read more

The list of exhibitors for the 2015 Sled Expo is taking shape. The Snowmobile Superstore will feature new sleds, trailers, helmets, boots, bibs, jackets, oil and all types of accessories and services. The Used Sled Corral is the place to buy or ...Read more

Closed trails. Will this be the future of snowmobiling? Although there is some humor in the picture, this in fact may happen someday. Why? Because of a lack of volunteers! We are not the only club with this problem, and ...Read more

Polaris introduces 2016 Race Sleds Optimism for a winning 2015-2016 race season runs high throughout the Polaris Snowmobile Racing program thanks to an infusion of new young talent in the Pro snocross ranks, the winning momentum of cross-country racers on ...Read more

It was one of those sleds that you knew had to come home with you. When I first checked out the 1971 Arctic Cat Lynx Wankel snowmobile, I knew I wasn’t leaving without it. It even came with three spare ...Read more

Built in 1939 for $150,000 ($2.5 million in 2015 dollars) the Snow Cruiser was designed to explore the Antarctic under the command of U.S. Rear-Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Designed by Dr. Thomas C. Poulter, Director of the Armour Institute in ...Read more

I share the following trailer hitch experiences fully aware that I could very well be pummeled with hate mail and might even find myself sleeping on the couch again. It’s a long-standing joke in my household that trailering, specifically hooking ...Read more

Well, someone had to do it. That would be 847 snowmobiles to be exact. The Science Hill Drifters Snowmobile Club based out of St. Mary’s Ontario officially made their mark in the snow after being recognized by the Guinness World Record ...Read more

May 30-31, 2015 9am-4pm at Bridgewater State University June 27-28, 2015 9am-4pm at Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA. This class is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB) and the Recreational Trails ...Read more

Boulevard Machine & Gear has generously supported Knox Trail Sno-Riders monetarily, by way of purchasing raffle tickets and making groomer donations. They joined the club at our Annual Raffle in December to celebrate the season and partake in the festivies. ...Read more

This young leader is heavily involved with SAM and the Bernardston Gill Leyden Snowmobile Club. Often spotted volunteering at SAM events, Molly Miller typically spends dozens of hours annually setting up and tearing down everything that goes into the Sled ...Read more

This club is on the move! They have done an astonishing amount of work and networking to make snowmobiling grow as a whole in their community and our state. Ending last season with a measly 33 members and only 2-4 ...Read more

As a volunteer, Jon Tobin takes a leadership role in every aspect of club activities: trail clearing, grooming, equipment maintenance, membership, running meetings, record keeping, newsletters and club events. His professionalism, combined with a love and appreciation for snowmobiling, has ...Read more

Greenfield Recorder staff reporter Kathleen McKiernan describes her first experience on a snowmobile. Tim Pydych, co-owner of Ray’s Cycle Center, 332 Wells St. in Greenfield, introduced the newspaper reporter to the snowmobile controls with solid advice and encouragement. Said McKiernan, ...Read more

The New England Patriot won the Super Bowl. But the Patriots are not the only ones scoring touchdowns, your legislative team also just put one over the goal line. SAM Vintage Snowmobile Bill Passes!: On January 8th, 2015, your Snowmobile ...Read more

Matthew A. Beaton, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEA), snowmobiles with key members of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the Harvard Snowmobile Club. Tony Shaw, a SAM Board of Director and President of the Harvard Snowmobile ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors invite you to celebrate your association at the upcoming SAM Annual Meeting and dinner on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Participate, relax and enjoy dinner with your friends, while you participate in the ...Read more

Tekvest: Peace of Mind while Snowmobiling. Close calls happen everyday. A simple drive to work challenges both mind and body. Encountering a dog, cat or cow in the middle of the road can be a weekly occurrence. Imbeciles holding a ...Read more

Yamaha introduces their 2016 snowmobiles with big news in the Apex and Vector line-up Yamaha’s new lightweight SingleShot is all about weight savings, making for a more comfortable and better handling sled. The SingleShot shorttrack 129 rear suspension is 10 ...Read more

The 2016 Ski-Doo snowmobile line-up centers on refinements and new technology. The legedary Blizzard name is re-introduced to the MX-Z line, along with a new Renegade Enduro, and the new Expedition Xtreme in the utility/touring crossover segment. Ski-Doo introduces the ...Read more

Snowmobiling is great and we have only the volunteers (and the snow) to thank. Do it by nominating a volunteer for the SAM Annual Awards. Volunteers are the heart and soul of snowmobiling. Without them there wouldn’t be anywhere to ...Read more

Governor Andrew Cuomo made a number of announcements today geared toward boosting Upstate winter tourism, including a free snowmobiling weekend to be held in communities across New York on March 7 and 8 for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. Registration ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Charlene Whitaker SAM Scholarship is available to members of SAM. In addition, SAM members can also apply for two other scholarships, the Northeast Chapter ISC Scholarship and the CJ Ramstad Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship awards ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the Mass Vintage Snowmobile Club are pleased to announce that the Knox Trail Sno-Riders will be hosting a vintage ride February 21, 2015 EVENT DETAILS Event time is from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Park and ...Read more

NSTAR is looking for SAM’s assistance in Eastern Massachusetts in anticipation of the upcoming weekend storm (blizzard forecast). NSTAR needs several snowmobiles and operators (two-ups and work sleds preferred) as well as tracked groomer vehicles to access and break trails ...Read more

Oh, my God! What was it I pulled out of the box, labeled Starting Line Products? Was it a black roller coaster? Was the plastic thingy with bumps on it from outer space or the deep sea? Nope. The skis ...Read more

The number one question we’re asked at SAM headquarters is “Where can I get a snowmobile trail map of Massachusetts?” It seems that getting the map into snowmobilers’ hands is a challenge. You have to go to a club meeting ...Read more

I’m sure you are all aware of the hazards associated with riding off-trail in snow-covered fields, such as rocks, tree stumps and other obstructions hidden under the snow. You also know enough (I hope) to keep to the right while ...Read more

Snowmobiling is in full stride and now is the time for snowmobilers to keep snowmobile safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Snowmobile safety is nothing new to organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile Administrators, the Manufacturers, snowmobile associations and clubs joined together years ago ...Read more

The sledmass team has been working on the top secret SledMass Trail Map for iPhone and Android for the past few months and figured it was time to share a sneak peek with our faithful sled-heads. UPDATE: SledMass Trail Map ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Brad Rand is a member of the Snowbirds Snowmobile Club in Spencer. He’s been riding snowmobiles for 30-years, his current sled is a 2003 Arctic Cat T660 Turbo, 4-stroke. Sled mods: No modifications needed ...Read more

The Vintage Snowmobile Registration legislation filed by the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts was signed by Governor Patrick and is now law. SAM’s bill H.3858 can now be referred to as Chapter 502 of the Acts of 2014. There are a ...Read more

In the never-ending quest to find devices that make our rides easier, I stumbled upon a cell phone charger that just might help some riders make it through snow country. There seem to be two types of riders out there ...Read more

Three snowmobilers rescue a moose on December 28 after an avalanche on an Alaska mountain buried it alive. The Alaska Dispatch News reports that three Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents spotted the animal’s snout sticking out of the snow and used shovels ...Read more

These are the Top 10 Snowmobile Stories of 2014 at sledmass.com. Your clicks pile up, your Facebook “Likes” and Twitter “retweets” share the words. We are unique at sledmass.com, as the majority of our snowmobile stories are created by fellow ...Read more

There are many false claims made about snowmobiling and it’s important that you understand snowmobile facts vs. fiction, and fight misinformation. There is a myth that snowmobilers have plenty of trails to ride but those making such claims do not ...Read more

Merry Christmas from everyone at the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the SledMass team. Here’s a holiday video from 1973 featuring our good friend Santa Claus delivering toys to good boys and girls by his Arctic Cat snowmobile in a very ...Read more

I am not sure what words to use to describe how amazed I am at what the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts accomplished this year for Toys for Tots. The December SAM meeting was where the magic happened. Club upon club ...Read more

A wild snowmobile design concept, The Farouche, posted at charlesbombardier.com lights the imagination of snowmobile enthusiast all over the world and makes a statement about the direction that snowmobile recreation could go in the future. Charles Bombardier tells us, “The ...Read more

Consumer Insight Study Shows Snowmobile Enthusiasts Consider Snowmobiling a Family Activity. Thanks to snowmobiling, winter has become a season to enjoy. Ask any of the three million people who take pleasure every year in the beauty of winter on the ...Read more

We are fast approaching the end of the current two-year Massachusetts legislative session that began back in January 2013. Since that time the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts has been working to get our two bills passed before the December 31 ...Read more

Veteran meteorologist Barry Burbank of WBZ-TV hosted the “Eye On Weather: 2015 Winter Forecast” on CBS Boston in which he predicts above average snowfall and cold temperatures this winter. “The signals are flashing a rather harsh winter.” If you enjoy reading ...Read more

This is the time of year to get our trails cleaned and ready for the coming snowmobile season. The trail crews for all the clubs are out there working on our most important asset – our trails. My club has ...Read more

“The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day”, also known as “Over the River and Through the Wood”, is a Thanksgiving poem by Lydia Maria Child according to Wikipedia. They go on to say “Although the modern Thanksgiving holiday is not ...Read more

When I first accepted the position as president of the Bernardston-Gill-Leyden (BGL) snowmobile club I knew there would be responsibilities. One is doing the best I can to help with all kinds of requests that come from the landowners, state ...Read more

The Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program 2015 Grant Round is OPEN! Grant Deadline Date: February 2, 2015 The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded grant program created through the National Recreational Trail Fund Act as a part of the ...Read more

Snowmobile season begins with early snow and crowds full of optimism! Early snowfall throughout the Snowbelt greeted winter enthusiasts at Halloween time this year. The early blast was a welcome taste of things to come in much of North America. ...Read more

Remember to Vote on Tuesday November 4. Polling hours are 7am until 8pm. Your vote as a snowmobiler in Massachusetts can greatly impact the outcome of the election. Think about this: There are approximately 15,000 to 20,000 snowmobilers in the ...Read more

The stock snowmobile tool kit hidden away in the average snowmobile is little more than an empty promise. “I’m here for you, but when you need to tighten that loose suspension bolt I’m going to make your knuckles bleed.” Actually, ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Jon Tobin is a member of the Burgy Bullets Snowmobile Club. He’s been riding snowmobiles for 21-years, his current sled is a 2001 Arctic Cat Z440 Sno-Pro 440F. Sled mods: No major modifications. The ...Read more

Get to the Sled Expo – October 18 and 19 The Big E Grounds in West Springfield The Sled Expo is the Snowmobile Superstore, featuring snowmobile and dealer displays. Get the best deals of the season on new and used ...Read more

Take a 40-second video tour of the Sled Expo as we get ready to open the doors for this weekend’s Snowmobile Super Store event. Saturday, October 18, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ...Read more

Put your sled in front of thousands of enthusiastic buyers for only $10 per item! Sell your Snowmobile, ATV or PowerSports machine at the Sled Expo, October 18 and 19, 2014 Serious sellers and buyers know that nothing compares to actually ...Read more

Don’t miss the snowmobile and power-sports Swap Meet at the Sled Expo October 18 and 19. Sell and buy used parts, accessories, trailers, jackets, bibs, and other related motorsports gear. Great deals to be had. Clean out your garage and ...Read more

A new 10% surcharge on recreational vehicle registrations in Massachusetts was added to the state budget, costing snowmobilers, ATV riders and boaters an additional $4. The increase went into effect September 1. The sledmass crew first got a whiff of ...Read more

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) accepts applications for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants on an annual basis. The next deadline for all RTP grants is February 1st, 2015. Only application materials delivered or post-marked by February 1st ...Read more

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) presents the 2014 Massachusetts Trails Conference to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center in ...Read more

BRP’s 2015 Ski-Doo MXZx 600RS builds on its strong chassis performance from 2014 by refining the engine and drive systems for better power delivery and even better overall durability. Last season saw big chassis changes for the Ski-Doo stock terrain ...Read more

Levi LaVallee officially announced his retirement from racing snocross September 6, 2014, at the 48th Annual Sno Barons’ Snowmobile Club Hay Days, in North Branch, Minnesota. LaVallee, who started racing at age 12 worked his way through the ranks and ...Read more

Yamaha trail and crossover enthusiasts looking for the ultimate in power and reliability can now have their cake and eat it too with the newly released Mountain Performance Incorporated (MPI) Trail Turbo Accessory Kit for Yamaha SRViper models. With the ...Read more

Snowmobile fans have something to celebrate as the heat of August fades away. The Farmers’ Almanac just predicted another snowy winter, proclaiming “More Shivery And Shovelry!” in their 2014 forecast. “Over the eastern third of the country, we are expecting ...Read more

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments has contacted 20 communities, requesting that the town Select Boards appoint a representative to the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership Advisory Committee to study the National Forest Designation. The deadline is July 25, 2014. There are ...Read more

Set against the backdrop of a town’s annual snowmobile race, Northern Light interweaves captivating stories of recession-era America. The lives of three families change profoundly in the north woods of Michigan, where winters are unforgiving, jobs are hard to come ...Read more

Chainsaw Safety for Trail Volunteers, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA, June 21st and 22nd, 2014, 9 am – 5 pm both days. Ten spaces are available for the chainsaw training course funded by the RTP. This two day class is designed for ...Read more

Several stories have been circulating about Arctic Cat’s chairman and CEO stepping down. However, Twin Cities Business out of Minnesota has published a report that Arctic Cat’s chairman and CEO Claude Jordan was fired. When the company announced Jordan’s departure ...Read more

It’s an honor to recognize someone who has been involved in the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts for a good part of his adult life, someone who has made a difference. Jeffrey Gamelli is a jack-of-all trades guy, as far as ...Read more

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation releases their new Volunteer in the Parks Program Guide policy “with an opportunity to achieve the goal of standardizing and simplifying the process for proposing, reviewing, and conducting all volunteer activities – whether ...Read more

There are many ways to measure a club’s success. A steady increase in membership is certainly one of them. But that doesn’t happen by chance. The Bernardston Gill Leyden Snowmobile Club realized some time ago that in order to succeed they ...Read more

This year’s winner is a familiar face to everyone who attends the Sled Expo, he’s there just about every year, especially if the club’s groomers are on display. Like so many award recipients, he’s a volunteer supreme. His arms are ...Read more

It’s been said that trail work is done by ghosts or the supernatural, maybe even by elves. No one ever sees them but the evidence is clear. The trails are trimmed, the signs are hung, bridges are in perfect condition, ...Read more

When Paul Trova took the “oath of office” in 2004, I doubt he thought he would stay on as the vice president of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts for ten long years, but he did. Paul has always been one ...Read more

Members of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts donated over $15,000 to charities this season, of that $10,000 went to local charities! See the individual club reports at the bottom of the page. I would like to start off by saying ...Read more

Polaris hillclimbers won 10 of 12 pro titles and sweep all King of the Hill titles to dominate at the 2014 Jackson Hole World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb. Keith Curtis Wins Five Pro Classes, Two King of the Hill Crowns & ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts: Created by snowmobilers in the past, for the snowmobilers of the future. In part one, I wrote how back in the late 1960’s a group of snowmobilers had the foresight to see that with the ...Read more

What’s the one piece of safety gear you can’t leave home without? Is it the helmet shield or goggles? Is it the snowmobile suit for its warmth and protection? Is it the helmet, the big daddy of all protective gear? It just ...Read more

The 15th Annual SAE Snowmobile Challenge was held at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI on March 4-8, 2014. This year 17 Universities registered for the event. The members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association – Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris ...Read more

American ingenuity, two words that have lost some meaning in the last decade or so. For years Americans came up with ideas for things, you could sit back and marvel at what they thought up in their heads. But with ...Read more

Recorder.com reporter Kathleen McKiernan’s detailed story about grooming snowmobile trails centers around the volunteer efforts of the Conway Snowmobile Club and 2013 Trail Worker of the Year recipient Paul Sokoloski and his son Adam. “Typically, the two South Deerfield men ...Read more

Ski-Doo started their 2015 launch by announcing the second generation of their Response Angle Suspension (RAS 2) front suspension. The aluminum spindle is slightly taller, under a half-inch, but better matches the rMotion rear suspension in rough conditions. The new ...Read more

Polaris introduces nine new 2015 RUSH and Switchback models built on the AXYS snowmobile platform. (see updates at bottom) ALL-NEW AXYS CHASSIS The foundation for the AXYS platform is an all-new chassis. This all-new chassis is built from the ground up ...Read more

Ice hockey in Russia is more than ice hockey, this phrase is known to everybody in Russia. Russia feels this sport on the genetic level. Back in the USSR there used to be ice hockey rinks in every neighborhood, the ...Read more

Over the past few years I’ve spent umpteen hours with my two boys working on their snowmobiles. Short of an engine overhaul, we’ve taken apart, cleaned or rebuilt just about every mechanism on their wedgie-style Polaris sleds, an ’87 Sport ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Chris Marcinczyk is a member of the Berkshire Snow Seekers, Savoy Kanary Kats and the Woodford Snow Busters. He’s been riding snowmobiles for 10-years, his current sled is a 2011 Ski-Doo XRS E-TEC 800 ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Charity Committee challenges clubs to donate $50 each to Camp Sno Mo, the official Charity of SAM The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts supports the Easter Seals Camp Sno Mo program. Located in Gilmanton Iron Works, ...Read more

Polaris, Yamaha and Ski-Doo 2015 Snowmobile Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek is scheduled for March and April. Sit on a 2015 sled, dream about next year or take advantage of the spring deals and order a new sled. (Note: Arctic Cat will not be ...Read more

Starting your snowmobile may seem like a very simple and safe operation. It generally is, but occasionally this simple act can turn embarrassing, costly, or even deadly when “Sleds Go Wild.” It is quite an experience to witness a snowmobile ...Read more

The 2015 Arctic Cat snowmobiles were announced today to the beat of Ted Nugent’s Cat Scratch Fever ringing through fan boys’ ears. Much to everyone’s surprise (and relief), the Suzuki two-stroke 500 and 800 are still available. The Arctic Cat ...Read more

The SAM Board of Directors and attending members had the opportunity to learn firsthand at Thursday’s SAM Meeting, on February 6, 2014, of the consequences of riding the SAM snowmobile trails without a MA Registration and/or a SAM Member Trail ...Read more

The SAM Vintage Ride will be held Saturday, February 15, at Ayrhill Farms, 192 Henry Wood Rd, Cheshire, Massachusetts The ride, hosted by the Adams Sno-Drifters, will be approximately 25 miles long. Registration is at 9am, the ride starts at ...Read more

Yamaha beat everyone to the punch by unveiling their 2015 snowmobile lineup weeks ahead of what was expected, introducing four new Viper models. The SR Viper R-TX LE, the SR Viper L-TX LE, the SR Viper R-TX DX and the SR Viper L-TX DX. ...Read more

Do you support or oppose land being designated as National Forest in Massachusetts? There is a proposal by the state and the U.S. Forest Service that would provide federal funds to expand forestry activities on privately owned land. Those lands ...Read more

Dear snowmobilers of the United States, I am happy to greet you this winter season. We hear a lot about the extreme cold weather gripping some North American states. We hope that nothing – even the polar vortex making Niagara ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts’ Interactive Trail Pass Locator Map is the easiest way to find a local snowmobile club or business that have trail passes and memberships available. Enter a zip code or town in the search field and drop ...Read more

The statement “Be prepared” is something we have all heard and is recognized by most as the Boy Scout motto. By definition the motto means to be prepared both in mind and in body. To be ready for all foreseen ...Read more

An earlier post concerning E-15 ethanol fuel outlined that the EPA had not approved the blended gas for use in Snowmobiles. This followed concerns by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association requesting proper scientific testing of E-15 before being introduced into ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts has worked to create an awareness of SAM among public and private land agencies. Over the last couple of years SAM has established relationships with land trusts, has partnered with a land trust to purchase ...Read more

The lack of snow has tempted some snowmobilers to consider riding on ice. Yes, it’s been very cold and many of the lakes and ponds are frozen. but remember, ice is unpredictable. In the name of safety, it is recommended ...Read more

We’ve all heard the phrase “Beating the Odds.” Maybe it was as you watched the underdog sports team “Beat the Odds” and win a championship. Or maybe someone you know has battled an illness and they “Beat the Odds” and ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Ed Morrin is the Second Vice President of the Mill Valley Snowmobile Club. Ed has been riding for 10 years, his first sled was a 1973 Arctic Cat Panther, his current ride is a ...Read more

Want a better way to capture photos and video of your snowmobiling adventures? Read on shutterbugs as this article will review a sharp tool to shoot your very own sledding action. Taking pictures with a standard five-megapixel camera became a ...Read more

A true story. At one time or another, most of us have gone riding on beautiful Mt. Greylock. Located in the western part of Massachusetts with its peak reaching 3,491 feet, one can view four states from the top. If ...Read more

The debate of climate change, not long ago termed Global Warming, rages on. We’ve heard arguments from both sides and it’s safe to say that the yelling and screaming will go on for some time. If you’re a fan of ...Read more

The Recorder posted a detailed story about the Conway Snowmobile Club, in particular the volunteer efforts of Paul Sokoloski and club president, Ron Sweet. “Though he wouldn’t take credit himself, club members credited Sokoloski for building much of the equipment ...Read more

The SAM meeting scheduled for today, Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 7:00 PM has been canceled due to the incoming snow storm! Due to numerous conflicts with club meetings and already scheduled events in January, the next meeting of the ...Read more

Here are the top 10 snowmobile stories of 2013 at sledmass.com. Some are technical, others are funny and a few may even make you scream “What the heck!” Remember, these great pieces are written for your enjoyment by the rabid ...Read more

60 Sleds in 60 Days – The Polaris Sled-a-Day Giveaway To kick-off the celebration of 60 years of Terrain Domination, Polaris is giving away 60 Sleds in 60 Days through “The Polaris Sled-a-Day Giveaway.” Polaris will give away 60 model ...Read more

The topic of Conservation Restrictions (CR) is involving an ever-increasing amount of SAM’s time and attention, since it is within these CR’s, that to a great extent, the future of our recreation lie. In the October and November issues of ...Read more

I Run to the window and look at the snow my yards wrapped in powder like a white Christmas bow. All is untouched virgin snow is abound that is until tomorrow when my track hits the ground. I snap on ...Read more

In the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of delivering coats and warm clothing along with pairs of boots for Big Brother Big Sister. We didn’t collect a lot but the items were beautiful. One particular bib and ...Read more

SAM: Created by snowmobilers in the past, for the snowmobilers of the future. Part 1 A while back I wrote about a conversation with a fellow snowmobiler. He was bragging about how he didn’t get screwed by the state and ...Read more

An open letter from the Florida Mountaineers Snowmobile Club. Our Club experienced a very disturbing incident on Sunday, December, 1, 2013. At approximately 2:30 PM, our club president’s cell phone started ringing off the hook from various landowners stating that ...Read more

The Ural Mountains of Russia receive remarkable amounts of snow. The region is the perfect place for the snowmobiler and we use every chance to go on a ride and enjoy the winter, especially during the traditional tour around Christmastime. ...Read more

This month we are going to look at a novel product that just might increase your confidence level heading into that next ride. Snowmobiles are off-road conveyances and as such they encounter some pretty nasty trail conditions out there. Rocks, ...Read more

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette featured a story about the upcoming snowmobile season “Mass. snowmobiles go where the cover is deep” by George Barnes. Quoted in the story were SAM members Jay Pease and Herb Hilton. “Mr. Pease of the ...Read more

The importance of trail preservation and land conservation were outlined last month in this space. As I said then, snowmobile trails are a priority. It’s understandable how land sales have negatively impacted our trail system and are only going to ...Read more

United States President John F. Kennedy Thanksgiving Day proclamation, 1961. (An excerpt from The American Presidency Project) Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved December ...Read more

This story by SAM’s own Randy Toth was recently featured on the American Snowmobiler website. Have you ever seen a snowmobile sticking out of the back window of an SUV? It was an experience that I almost had firsthand. How ...Read more

Race Time Radio becomes new media partner for East Coast Snocross, Presented by AMSOIL and Woody’s Traction One of Canada’s most well-known media entities is expanding south into the U.S., and northeastern snocross fans will benefit with expanded coverage. Officials at ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts member profile: Brian Blanchard is a member of the Snowbirds Snowmobile Club and has been riding for 42 years. His first snowmobile was a red 1973 Scorpion 290, his currently sled is a 2013 Ski-Doo MX-Z Renegade 1200 with an ...Read more

The holidays are upon us, allowing quality time with the family. Black Friday is almost here and the shopping madness begins. When you are out shopping for the holidays please consider picking up a toy or two for those families ...Read more

Trails are a priority, it’s what SAM is all about. One of our biggest challenges is land changing hands. Many landowners sell, donate or conserve land, believing that the snowmobile trail will stay in place. That’s not always the case, ...Read more

January 18, Snowbirds Snowmobile Club Meet at the Worcester County 4-H Camp Marshall center, 92 McCormik Rd, Spencer. The 20 mile ride gets underway at 10am, registration is at 9. For details check the club website or email them. January ...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS (November 12, 2013) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced that it has purchased all of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s (“FHI”) 3.96 million shares of Polaris’ common stock for a purchase price of $497.5 million, thereby reducing its ...Read more

The November issue of On The Trail With SAM is in the mail and should arrive in mailboxes in the coming weeks Inside: Beating the Odds: Be prepared for everything. By Brad Stafford Safe Trailering: Ever seen a sled sticking ...Read more

Has a new king been crowned or is the Simmons ski still at the top of the heap? Read on loyal followers and you will soon find out what is the hot set-up this year. To recap, we have reviewed ...Read more

While this past summer did have its hot spells, overall it was real nice with beautiful weather. I hope everyone was able to enjoy some cookouts, camping, the beach and some parties. While we put our sleds away for the ...Read more

Polaris ‘Winning Riders’ Program Supports State & Provincial Snowmobile Associations Polaris Supports Grassroots Groups with Sales-Based Contributions For the ninth consecutive year, state and provincial snowmobile organizations across North America are receiving contributions from the Polaris “Winning Riders” program, which ...Read more

Two men from Anchorage Alaska are staking claim to the snowmobile speed record on water. The Anchorage Daily News reported that Rick Coffman piloted the modified Yamaha to 106 MPH on the Knik River, besting an old record of 102.5 ...Read more

Cool weather is arriving and the clubs are already getting the trails ready for the upcoming snowmobile season. It’s a tremendous amount of work and they could use some help, so please contact your local club and lend a hand. ...Read more

The BlueRibbon Coalition reports: The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the release of a final Rule/Regulation for Winter Use of Yellowstone. The publishing of the final Rule officially completes the Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process. The ...Read more

It’s the Journey, Not the Destination: Eight members of the Easy Riders Snowmobile Club started and finished (well – almost) an 875 mile, five-day snowmobile trip last February. The trip began in Jackman, Maine, went 195 miles west to Millinocket ...Read more

The Sled Expo is October 19 and 20, this Saturday (9am -8pm) and Sunday (10am- 4pm). Get the best deals of the season on new and used snowmobiles, trailers, jackets, bibs, helmets, oil, accessories and more. Don’t forget the Swap ...Read more

Howdy again. It’s been a while since the last Vintage Side of the Trail appeared. Even though I wasn’t making an appearance in the magazine, I was still out there working the trails, tinkering with my vintage Cats and supporting ...Read more

The SAM Charity Committee is once again holding its Winter Wear Recycling Program at the 2013 Sled Expo. We asks our fellow snowmobilers to check out the great deals at the Expo, but before that, we ask that you look ...Read more

Giant snowmobile swap meet. Sell and buy used snowmobile parts, accessories, trailers and related gear. Sell for as little as $20 a day! SELL: Sell your used snowmobile and motorsports parts at the Sled Expo in front of thousands of ...Read more

See some of the best vintage snowmobiles in the area on display at the Sled Expo, October 19 and 20. Better yet, put your vintage sled on display in front of thousands of rabid enthusiast at the biggest snowmobile show ...Read more

On The Trails With SAM, your magazine dedicated to snowmobiling in Massachusetts, has been redesigned and is being shipped now. The October issue should arrive in your mailbox in the coming weeks. Inside: The Vintage Side: The old sleds are ...Read more

The Tech Corner has some interesting snowmobile articles to share with everyone at sledmass this season. I’ve been experimentation with some interesting products including snowmobile skis, helmet-cams and round meaty tires. There may even be a few surprises. First up, ...Read more

The agenda at a SAM meeting is pretty packed, so much so that getting through all of the business in two short hours can be a challenge. There are typically plenty of issues, which are debated thoroughly, followed by votes ...Read more

The 2014 Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program Grant Round is now OPEN! SAM Clubs are encouraged to apply for grants that create or improve trails, purchase equipment to maintain trails, grooming equipment and other trails related projects. Please visit the Recreational ...Read more

The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the signing of the Yellowstone Winter Use Plan Record of Decision by Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels. The ROD officially completes the Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process. The ROD assures ...Read more

BRP’s 2014 Ski-Doo MX Zx 600RS features major changes: the snowmobile will turn quicker, stay straighter in the bumps, and have stronger starts. These changes come with the move from the REV-XP to the REV-XS platform and refinements to many ...Read more

2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled Delivers Improved Holeshots and Enhanced Handling With New Lightweight Crankshaft and 128″ Rear Suspension Polaris snowmobile racers will enjoy the competitive advantages of the innovative new 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled that features a new ...Read more

The heat waves of July are behind us, it’s time to talk snow. Winter forecasts this far in advance can raise eyebrows but that has never stopped the Farmers’ Almanac. Farmers’ Almanac predict a cold, snowy winter for 2014, proclaiming “The ...Read more

In a scene out of a James Bond movie, The Globe and Mail reports that the Canadian Department of National Defence has been secretly testing a “stealth snowmobile” to use for covert operations in the Arctic. The $620,000 hybrid-electric snowmobile ...Read more

The Coalition for Recreational Trails and The Blue Ribbon Coalition are asking that you contact your U.S. Senators in regards to Recreational Trails Program (RTP) money being diverted away from trail use. UPDATE 08/04/13 Thanks to everyone who took action. ...Read more

Tucker Sno-Cat dealer Get-Sno Equipment in Newport Vermont were searching for a name for their new Get-Sno newsletter, something catchy. The Newsletter will cater to snowmobile trail groomer operators, snowmobile clubs, event listings, and insight into the equipment we all ...Read more

The DCR released a draft of their newly proposed policy as it relates to volunteers and non-profit organizations working at DCR properties. All snowmobile clubs should review the document and comment, both to the DCR and the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts. ...Read more

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network reports via AP that a bill in the Maine House of Representatives would increase the Maine snowmobile registration fees an extra $5 that would go toward the state’s Snowmobile Trail Fund. The bill, which will ...Read more

SITUATION The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the release of a Proposed Rule concerning winter use inYellowstone National Park for public review and comment. This rulemaking process is in addition to the Final Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ...Read more

The Worthington Snowmobile Club were recognized at the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts annual meeting for hosting one of the Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile rides. The Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile Club (MVSC) is a recognized committee within SAM, they host many exciting events ...Read more

The Savoy Kanary Kats snowmobile club were recognized at the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts annual meeting for hosting one of the Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile rides. The Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile Club (MVSC) is a recognized committee within SAM, they host many ...Read more

Dan not only motivates others to step up to the plate but has led by example and personally made key contributions to snowmobiling on a local, state, national and international level. Over the past decade as the president of Snowmobile ...Read more

As a dealer, Ray’s Cycle Center business is always promoting the importance of SAM, Snowmobile legislation, and how the rules are there for everyone. They sells trail passes for several clubs. While the dealer is small and family run, they ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts recognizes a family that has long supported recreation and snowmobiling, despite not being snowmobilers themselves. They have always understood the importance of snowmobiling to the area and the overall trail system. Just over a year ...Read more

The Snowbirds Snowmobile Club have an understanding of what makes organized snowmobiling succeed. They have been involved in SAM since the 1970’s. They consistently have many members volunteering at the Sled Expo, and had several at the International Snowmobile Congress ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts recognizes the legislative accomplishments of Representative Stephen Kulik, 1st Franklin District. His reputation, combined with his record of public service, is defined in his honesty, integrity, and effectiveness for the people of Western Massachusetts. Representative ...Read more

David MacLeod has been a Snowmobile Groomer Operator for over 25 years as well as a trail worker. This volunteer knows what it takes to make trails smooth. As groomer chief for the Snowbirds Snowmobile Club he studies grooming, teaches ...Read more

Snowmobile trail work and making them better is a year round project for Paul Sokoloski of the Conway Snowmobile Club. Smooth trails are in his mind all summer… long before any flakes fly. He is always thinking about the trails ...Read more

Bill and Joyce Taylor of the Knox Trail Sno-Riders were presented the 2013 Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Family of the Year Award. Bill and Joyce have been active in SAM for decades. Combined they have held the office of secretary, ...Read more

What’s up with the high cost of new snowmobiles? Every year as the snowmobiling season draws to a close, the brand new eagerly awaited sleds, with their great technology advances are announced along and their dreaded price increases. Many new ...Read more

The SAM Board of Directors invite you to celebrate your association at the upcoming SAM Annual Meeting and dinner on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Participate, relax and enjoy dinner with your friends, while you participate in the business meeting and ...Read more

Cold weather dominated our sledding excursion, now it was T-shirt time. We had snowmobiled for a few days and were snaking our way down the mountain road in the cab of Scott Sumner’s pickup after the last ride of the ...Read more

While driving up to the Old Forge Snodeo in New York a sign on the side of the road in the small town of Barneveld caught my eye. Hmm… Hudons Sled Salvage, huh? I’ve heard of them before. I’ve got ...Read more

It is that time of year when our snowmobile season starts to wind down. We all have had a busy one trying to keep what snow we were given and repairing trails as necessary I know of clubs that have ...Read more

Nicholas Joy, age 17, from Medford Massachusetts, was last seen Sunday March 3 at 12:40 PM on the Sugarloaf Mountain Timberline Chairlift by his father. He and his father had been skiing together all morning. High winds and poor visibility ...Read more

The Indy is back in force. For 2014 Polaris now adorns ten snowmobiles with the Indy name. The engines include the 800, 600 and 550 fan. Top of the line is the Indy SP 800 and Indy SP 600 with ...Read more

Huge news! For 2014 Arctic Cat introduces two new engines. As previously reported, Cat is now building and installing the 1049cc 4-stroke engine that was previously used in the Yamaha Nytro. That was part of the deal with Yamaha that ...Read more

Ski-Doo announced new 2014 snowmobiles that feature chassis and suspension upgrades. The big news is a new four-stroke Rotax 900 Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine that achieves 23 MPG. The inline 899cc triple is an outgrowth of the existing 600 ...Read more

Yamaha introduced five new snowmobiles for 2014 that will be assembled by Arctic Cats’ factory in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The chassis will in fact be the well respected Arctic Cat’s ProCross, called the SRV chassis by a Yamaha, and ...Read more

Twenty-plus riders attended the first ever Future of SAM teen Family Ride on Sunday, February 17. The morning started with greetings by Sara Trova, followed by a safety program by Massachusetts Environmental Police Lt. Terry Davis and Sgt. David Unaitis. ...Read more

Sunday, February 17, 2013 11am: Environmental Police presentation: Snowmobile Safety and Survival Noon: Lunch 1pm: Ride Come and join the Future of S.A.M. as we host our first Family Snowmobile Ride. It will be held at Tom Benz’s clubhouse, 680 ...Read more

A Winter Romance By Matthew Holloway The air cold, crisp to the lung Breath circles skyward bound Days fall short, shadowed by the night Nature climbing into hibernation Trees standing bare, flowers wilt away A world still beautiful to the ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts was contacted by NSTAR as part of the Governor’s Command Center to assist in the restoration of electric power caused by the Blizzard of 2013. NSTAR reached out to SAM once it realized that specialized ...Read more

Are you between the ages of 12-19? Do you enjoy riding snowmobiles? Are you interested in meeting new friends that enjoy the same hobby as you? Do you want to help shape the future of snowmobiling in Massachusetts? If you ...Read more

Well, the world did not end in 2012 and we did not fall off a fiscal cliff. Though, if you were like me, you probably heard the buzzwords “Mayan calendar,” “fiscal cliff,” and “kick the can,” one too many times. ...Read more

On Sunday the 13th of January, I had the opportunity to join a guided group on the trek from West Yellowstone, Montana to view the many thermal features, several groups of wildlife, and Old Faithful. I have visited Yellowstone in ...Read more

Can you believe that the elections are really over? It certainly was a long political campaign season. I hope everyone had a chance to help their candidate and that they did well at the ballot booth. One good thing is ...Read more

The 2013 sleds have just hit the snow but the march of progress never stops. The snowmobile manufacturers are already getting ready to introduce the latest and greatest sleds and have announced the 2014 Manufactures Sneak Peak Tour. See the ...Read more

I can’t remember who actually invited me to my first snowmobile club meeting, what year it was or even why I actually went. But I do know that it was quite a few winters ago, and that it changed the ...Read more

The state has issued a Winter Safety Advisory for Lake Quinsigamond, where Worcester and Shrewsbury meet. The lake is a popular recreational spot for snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiast. There will be open water at the construction site. The construction operations ...Read more

Tyler Apanell, of the Conway Snowmobile Club, loves Yamaha snowmobiles and video. He pulled those two passions together to create one very slick production outlining his preseason prep and early season riding on the Conway trails in Massachusetts. Says Tyler, ...Read more

The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 13-19-2013. Snowmobilers have placed safe, responsible snowmobiling at the top of their list for years and have made great strides in ...Read more

At home or on the trail, you’re just a click away from connecting to sledmass.com with the new mobile app. All the snowmobile information you need has been formatted for easy viewing on smartphones and tablets, especially the iPhone, iPad ...Read more

Never consider ice safe when snowmobiling or enjoying other outdoor recreations. The up and down temperatures have made ice conditions unpredictable all over New England. There have been several instances of people going through the ice already this winter, including ...Read more

Here’s a shout-out to Castle Apparel for donating Castle X clothing for us to raffle at this year’s SAM Annual Meeting! Show up at the meeting and ask how you can get in on the raffle action. In the meantime, ...Read more

In a chest at the bottom of my closet, Lies a coat of colorful fabric. The smell of exhaust and gasoline, A smell of pure heaven, though wretched and vile, Fills me with a sense of joy and freedom. Each ...Read more

The October Mountain Men, led by veteran snowmobiler Richard (Dick) DiOrio, watch over October Mountain State Forest (OMSF) which is located in the Berkshire County towns of Washington, Becket, Lee, Lenox and Pittsfield. OMSF, with over 16,000 acres, is the ...Read more

Your humble reporter is at it again, bringing you another installment of the great American Ski Test. For this article we tested the C&A RZ Razors Pro Ski, billed on their website as a “high performance snowmobile ski with aggressive ...Read more

Santa delivered excitement at the Hilltown Snowmobile Club 4th annual Community Christmas Party. Four years ago the club put an idea together to have an event that would bring the community children out to celebrate the holiday season. The party was ...Read more

Looking back over 2012 I am pleasantly surprised at what SAM has accomplished for charities. It was a very busy year, with SAM hosting the 2012 International Snowmobile Congress in Sturbridge. Most of our efforts were focused on promoting the ...Read more

Looking to join a SAM snowmobile club or get an extra trail pass for a sled? The new SAM interactive map complements the club page with visual searches by geographic location. Use the drop down to pick a town where ...Read more

The Take a Friend/Go Snowmobiling campaign is pleased to present a new addition to its list of ready to use snowmobiling campaign material. The all new ready to cut-out and assemble paper snowmobile model is here for free distribution and ...Read more

Polaris Industries Inc. announced the acquisition of Teton Outfitters, LLC, a privately owned, Rigby, Idaho-based company which designs, develops and distributes KLIM Technical Riding Gear. Calendar year 2012 sales for KLIM are anticipated to approach $30 million. KLIM is an ...Read more

SnowTrails TV has done many snowmobile trips that have taken us through Wawa, Ontario. After several quick saddlebag trips we finally got the chance to experience some great local trail riding with Russ Jones from Jones Power Sports. Watch more ...Read more

For anyone that has spent time on a snowmobile, whether it was for a single ride or countless miles, one of the most important things to remember is to be on the lookout for other sleds. Just about everyone I ...Read more

I have to admit that I enjoy working on our trails almost as much as I do riding on them. I’ve had the opportunity, and I hope you have also, to help our clubs and our trail crews in getting ...Read more

TV stations are starting to make predictions for the upcoming winter, all of which sound promising for snowmobiling in 2013. WBZ reports: Predicting the weather for an entire season is very much different from predicting it over the next 7 ...Read more

Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Toys For Tots drive. Thanksgiving has come and gone. The holidays allow quality time spent with family around the table, after the meal is done and everyone winds down, Black Friday is here and the madness ...Read more

October 1961: More than three centuries ago, the Pilgrims, after a year of hardship and peril, humbly and reverently set aside a special day upon which to give thanks to God for their preservation and for the good harvest from ...Read more

As with most, our club dreams of grooming the trails with a brand new Tucker, or possibly a Pisten Bully. Then we wake up and remember that we don’t have a trail system capable of handling such a large piece ...Read more

One chilly fall day in the not too distant future, as you prepare for the upcoming snowmobiling season, you will remember that you have not received your state association magazine yet. Muttering something derogatory, you go to the state association’s ...Read more

The Montreal Gazette reports that an explosion and fire damaged the BRP plant in Valcourt. “Officers patrolling in the Eastern Townships town of Valcourt witnessed a ball of fire at the Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) plant early Friday (11/9/12). An ...Read more

Permanent Trail Protection – Learn how to set up permanent snowmobile trails via the use of land easements. Topics include how to approach landowners, assessing trail easement values, reassuring landowners and closing the deal. The workshop was presented at the ...Read more

A year ago, my good friend Nathan (Nate) Blaylock called me wanting help. He was conducting research on population statistics in Midwestern states and found it was important to the citizens to show compassion and support causes. Nate wanted to ...Read more

The Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign is all about introducing non-snowmobilers to our winter recreation of choice. Research shows that people want to go snowmobiling but don’t know how to get started. By planning a ride, we take the guess ...Read more

Polaris ‘Winning Riders’ Program Supports State and Provincial Snowmobile Associations with Sales-Based Contributions For the eighth consecutive year, state and provincial snowmobile organizations across North America are receiving contributions from the Polaris “Winning Riders” program, which generates support for the ...Read more

Wow, that was a great International Snowmobile Congress that I had the pleasure of attending in Sturbridge. The variety of educational seminars, the setting at the Sturbridge Hotel and the grooming display and information available all made this one of ...Read more

Snowmobile clubs are really a business – Learn to run your club as a professional business rather than a social club. Video includes tips for managing meetings, professional accounting, nonprofit status, tax returns, and more. This is a must see ...Read more

Alison Dixon of the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) was the guest speaker at the October SAM meeting. Alison spoke of the importance of Small Streams and the impacts of sub-standard crossings for habitat. Knowing that SAM members spend a great ...Read more

The Russian Snowmobile Association invited the BRP Fan Club to attend the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) as the best club in Russia (in the opinion of ROSAN Co, the BRP distributor in Russia). The aim was clear: to meet new ...Read more

The Big E Grounds in West Springfield. The largest selling snowmobile show in New England, featuring Manufacturer and Dealer displays and aftermarket accessories. Great deals on new and used sleds, trailers, oil, clothes and accessories. Vintage display. Sell your sled ...Read more

Donate your gently used outdoor winter clothing to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Franklin County “A United Way Partner” at the SLED EXPO on Saturday 10/13 or Sunday 10/14 and receive a chance to “spin” the wheel for some great prizes. ...Read more

Put your sled in front of thousands of enthusiastic buyers for only $10 per item! Sell your Snowmobile, Dirt Bike, ATV or Personal Watercraft at the Sled Expo, October 13 and 14, 2012 Serious sellers and buyers know that nothing ...Read more

SLP Straight Line Tracking versus Simmons Flexi Ski: Your intrepid reporter is at it again. I could see a gaping hole in the Internet chatter about which type of skis to purchase for your sled. Everyone and his brother are ...Read more

Belts… Break’em in or break down. On my first ride last year, I put a brand new belt on my vintage Puma and immediately went screaming across the lake. Eager to detect any performance gain over the old belt, I ...Read more

Professionalism is displayed when a club uses printed, weatherproof signs on their trails, something that is easily accomplished. Laser printer output by itself is waterproof but the paper is not. Laminating a paper sign or printing to a self-adhesive weatherproof ...Read more

From the Coalition For Recreational Trails: Washington, D.C. -The Recreational Trails Program (RTP), the funding program that has sustained state trail programs for two decades, has been reauthorized as part of the transportation bill approved by the U. S. Congress ...Read more

Press coverage of ISC 2012 appeared in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, featuring interviews with SAM members as well as our guests from Russia (pictured above). An excerpt of the article follows, the whole story can be read at this ...Read more

As an attendee of ISC 2012 we can assume you will take mountains of notes at meetings and workshops. Personally, I’m not a fan of paper. Piles of dead trees are a curse to take home, not all that easy ...Read more

Want to get a taste of ISC 2012 but can’t attend the whole week? Join us on Friday for an action packed day at a special rate for SAM Members only. For the ridiculous low rate of $30 you can ...Read more

This year’s nominee has served his club in many capacities: trail boss, landowner liaison, club president, and oftentimes the official club dish washer. He is instrumental in organizing club events, flipping burgers or pancakes… whatever needs to be done. As ...Read more

This particular club has an understanding of what makes organized snowmobiling succeed. Their actions speak for themselves. They are extremely active, hosting family events just about every weekend during the season, several of which are fundraisers for charities. They maintain ...Read more

Every club needs inspiration. Sometimes the action of a single member can be the impetuous to make wholesale change. Such is the case with grooming equipment. Making the jump to larger equipment is intimidating, both in cost and trail maintenance. ...Read more

Typically the recipient of this award operates in the shadows, their name and whereabouts a mystery to the majority of club members. It’s rare that anyone ever witnesses the actual duties being carried out. What they discover are the results. ...Read more

This family has been described as true ambassadors of snowmobiling. While many riders are seasonal recreationalists and put the season behind them in March, this family stays active all year, it is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. They ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts charity committee and the SAM Delegates decided at our first meeting in the fall to continue our support Camp Sno-Mo in providing a week of camping for a Massachusetts resident. Camp Sno-Mo is an Easter ...Read more

The organized snowmobile food-chain starts with you, an individual club member. You and your club belong to a state association. Your state association, in turn, belongs to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) and they are part of the ...Read more

Register for the International Snowmobile Congress before April 1st and save. $25 per registration. Download the registration form here. The five day event, June 5-9, 2012 features over 25 snowmobile workshops, speakers and lots of after hours fun at the ...Read more

Snowmobilers on Capitol Hill Snowmobilers from 20 states (including SAM members) were in Washington, DC March 17-20 to “Tell the Truth About Snowmobiling.” This is the 13th Annual Snowmobile Fly-In. Sunday was a day for meetings! The Western and Midwest ...Read more

SAM President Dan Gould and Legislative Chairman Randy Toth attended the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) annual Washington DC Fly-In from March 17 through March 20, 2012. To be more accurate we actually went via AMTRAK. On Sunday the ...Read more

As a club volunteer and leader you understand the challenges of keeping an organization running. You most likely have a hand in everything, from maintaining the trails to running events. You do it all. It just so happens that the ...Read more

Clarkson University of Potsdam, NY, captured first place in the 2012 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, which drew to a close March 10 at Michigan Technological University. Kettering University, of Flint, placed second, with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville earning third place ...Read more

RTP Update We are excited to report that the Manager’s Amendment to the Senate transportation bill, containing a modified version of U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s amendment continuing the Recreational Trails Program essentially unchanged, was accepted this afternoon on the Senate ...Read more

The season is winding down and your interest may be moving onto exciting warm weather recreations, like mowing the lawn. Maybe you don’t visit sledmass when the temperature is above freezing but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up to ...Read more

Attention Massachusetts snowmobilers and others interested in maintaing recreational trails. Here is a rare opportunity for snowmobile leaders & volunteers to attend ISC 2012 through the RTP grant. You must be a Massachusetts Resident You must include a $50.00 check ...Read more

How about some ISC trivia? The International Snowmobile Congress is being hosted by the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts for 2012 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts but did you know that the first ever ISC was held in 1969 in New York? Has ...Read more

RTP Update: Hopefully by now, you all know about the Recreational Trails Program. This program is funded by the federal gas tax dollars you pay every time you fill your snowmobile or other OHV. This program is housed in the ...Read more

The big deal at Arctic Cat for 2013 is the new ProCross F RR (Race Replica) with either the H.O. 800 two-stroke or the four-stroke 1100 Turbo. The suspension calibration is tuned to the cross-country crowd, not unlike the Sno ...Read more

The wizards from Arctic Cat had a simple idea – create a lighter more efficient drive train for the transmission of power from belt to track. After much R&D, Arctic in 2004 released the now famous Diamond Drive on the ...Read more

BRP released information about the 2013 line of Ski-Doo snowmobiles that feature a new REV-XS design. The new hood and windshield offer better wind protection and a fresh look. A new dual headlight and LED taillight are also part of ...Read more

What an Adventure! On Sunday the January 15th I had the opportunity to join a guided group on the trek from West Yellowstone, Montana to Old Faithful. Our guide was Gaylon Tibwell from Yellowstone Arctic and Yamaha Tours, one of ...Read more

Press Release: Imagine a sled that you can ride from sea level up to 10,000 feet without having to change clutching or gearing, and it’s equally at home on the wide spectrum of snow conditions you’d encounter. Imagine no longer-you ...Read more

Every State Snowmobile Association in the country has come to rely on funds from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). This program is funded by you, the snowmobiler, every time you put gas in your sled. A portion of the federal ...Read more

To all snowmobilers… I overheard a couple of fellow snowmobilers talking about our “lack of snow this season” and the fact that the forecast doesn’t look promising. It was actually an upbeat conversation until they spoke of how proud they ...Read more

Press Release: Polaris Announces Early Release of the Best Selling Sled in the Mountains, Updated to Be Lighter, Stronger & More Flickable. Weighing in at Just 417 Pounds! – the 800 Pro-RMK 155 The very definition of Terrain Domination® in ...Read more

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is in support of Congressman Sensenbrenner’s bill to require proper testing of E-15 fuel before introduction into the marketplace. Below is a copy of the letter the Coalition members sent to members of the US ...Read more

MEDINA, MN (Jan. 6, 2012) – The Bunke Racing team of Gabe Bunke, Aaron Christensen and Bobby Menne IV used Polaris Terrain Domination to outrun the field and win the grueling International 500 on the famous Soo I-500 track in ...Read more

Pleasant Prairie, WI— Yamaha FX Nytro snowmobiles won a perfect seven out of seven Sport, Semi-Pro and Pro events they entered in a great day of cross-country racing in Mercer, Wis. on Saturday, Feb. 4. Proving the FX Nytro trail ...Read more

New leadership for Parts, Garments and Accessories facilitates strong focus on Small Vehicles, enabling accelerated growth for each business. MINNEAPOLIS (February 6, 2012) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the hiring of Steve Eastman, former president of Target.com, ...Read more

Victory for Snowmobilers ACSA partnered with the Michigan Snowmobile Association to fight the efforts of a single person to ban snowmobiling and gun hunting in the Huron Manistee National Forest. This week the Forest Service relased their Record of Decision ...Read more

Ok, I admit it – I like speed. The feel of the wind whistling past my helmet, the relentless pull of the motor, the scenery whipping by, it all gets my adrenaline flowing and describes a multitude of motorsports but ...Read more

Yes, the season has yet to live up to our expectations but that doesn’t mean the volunteers haven’t done everything in their power to get the trail system and equipment ready. Volunteers are the heart and soul of snowmobiling. Without ...Read more

The Lunenburg Snow Riders were featured in a Telegram Towns story titled “Lunenburg Snow Riders: On the trail and in the community” “The Lunenburg Snow Riders is a family-oriented group with a mission of fostering safe and legitimate snowmobiling in ...Read more

The International Snowmobile Congress is the largest snowmobile meeting in the world, bringing people like you together with snowmobile manufactures, groomer manufactures, leaders of organizations, writers of snowmobile publications, snowmobile administrators, government representatives and others addicted to sledding. More than ...Read more

A mild winter has delivered less than ideal conditions for snowmobiling and unsafe ice conditions, resulting in several incidents throughout the state. Rena M. Sumner, executive director of the Snowmobiling Association of Massachusetts was quoted in a story that ran ...Read more

The forecast called for another 4-6 inches just before you went to bed last night and as you look outside on your front lawn enjoying your morning coffee it looks like the weatherman was finally right. Mother Nature had indeed ...Read more

RTP Update The future of RTP is bleak. This is not new news to you – RTP has been extended a number of times during the past several months. It was last extended through March 31st. There is a national ...Read more

The following story is true. Only the master’s name was changed to protect the individual. We received our first snowfall shortly after I retired. While sleeping late and thoroughly enjoying the experience, the phone rang at the crack of dawn ...Read more

You aren’t the only one unhappy by the lack of snow. The Yamaha USCC Cross Country race team is training in Minnesota regardless of conditions, with their eyes on the I-500. Professional X-Country racer Ross Erdam and the rest of ...Read more

The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 15-21-2012. Snowmobilers have placed safe, responsible snowmobiling at the top of their list for years and have made great strides in safety ...Read more

Many of you have seen me running around with my camera at various SAM events over the past season. For those who don’t know me, I’m a born-and-raised snowmobiler from the Berkshires. Growing up, the Snow Seekers were like my ...Read more

A month-long Polaris goodwill event provides jackets and bibs for the needy, rewards riders with pure polaris discounts Upgrade your snowmobile jacket and feel good doing it during the Pure Polaris “Donate for a Discount” Sales Event that runs Jan. ...Read more

SAM members can purchase discounted tickets when the Springfield Falcons take on the Providence Bruins January 15th at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. If you order tickets by Thursday, January 12, the tickets are $11 each (they regularly cost $18). ...Read more

In a series of 22 locations across the snowbelt, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha will give snowmobilers a “Sneak Peek” at their new models for 2013. Each manufacturer will display 15-18 sleds. That’s 50+ new snowmobiles for 2013 displayed on ...Read more

We did it – sixteen hundred and fifty (1650) miles in eight days on a sled. Just as planned – well, almost, anyways. A group from the Easy Riders Snowmobile Club toured the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, Canada in a ...Read more

A press release from Quebec brings sad news of a friend to snowmobilers in the Northeast. Laurent Caouette was a familiar face at SAM’s Snowmobile Expo every October and to anyone who rode in Quebec along the Maine border. He was ...Read more

It was like a scene in a Hollywood movie; a trip that probably shouldn’t have happened, a near death experience and a renewed faith in humanity. On a trip last February, Rich Murray and myself had all these things happen ...Read more

In a front page story the Worcester Telegram and Gazette reports about the charity work of the Snowmobilers United Club. An excerpt is below, the full story can be read at telegram.com. One of the few groups eagerly awaiting heavy ...Read more

For safe snowmobile operation, it is important to know the basic snowmobile riding positions along with when and how to effectively use them. You should also know and recognize the basic snowmobile riding conditions and how best to operate your ...Read more

A 5.4-square-mile forest in Leverett and Shutesbury will be protected from development through a land conservation restriction announced today by state officials who called it the largest of its kind in Massachusetts history. The Brushy Mountain land restriction will protect ...Read more

The Mass Vintage Snowmobile Club (MVSC) has selected three clubs to host the 2012 SAM vintage rides. The events, which have become extremely popular the past few years, allow SAM members to ride their vintage sleds in a parade-like atmosphere. ...Read more

The American Council of Snowmobile Associations eBay Auction closes soon: Don’t forget to check out the ACSA eBay Auction, all items will close out in a few hours and will be shipped in time for Christmas! DC Fly-In Dates Mark ...Read more

For safe snowmobile operation, it is important to know something about the basic snowmobile controls and instruments and what they actually do for you. This understanding will help you safely get the most enjoyment and performance out of your sled ...Read more

The American Council of Snowmobile Associations is holding their annual ACSA auction, featuring snowmobile gear from A-Z. Bid on jackets, gloves, shirts, bags, boots, jewelry, decorations, vacation packages, even a trailer. All of the proceeds benefit the grass-roots efforts of ...Read more

Are you new to snowmobiling in Massachusetts or considering taking part in the best winter fun on the planet? Here is a beginners guide that outlines what you need in order to snowmobile in Massachusetts. This is just a summary ...Read more

How old do I need to be to ride a snowmobile? The last time we reported on the age restrictions was almost a year ago, but things have changed since new regulations went into effect this year. This updated chart ...Read more

International Snowmobile Congress 2011: SAM to Host ISC 2012 A highly motivated team of representatives from SAM attended ISC 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada this June. Their primary mission, aside from representing SAM in the international community, was to market ...Read more

A few weeks ago we posted a report about the 2011 Massachusetts Trails Conference that was attended by user groups from all over the state. The presentations and notes have been posted online at the DCR website Scroll down to ...Read more

The new 2012 ACSA (American Council of Snowmobile Associations) Limited Edition Raffle Calendars are now available for $20.00 each. The calendar sport a new design with action shots of all the 2012 sleds. Only 3,000 are available nationwide. Chances of ...Read more

“Laugh at life and it will laugh at you!” It’s hard not to get sucked into the everyday grind of negative news! Everything from higher debt ceilings to a friend or family member dealing with medical problems, leaves us only ...Read more

The snowmobile community is excited to announce the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week – which will be held February 11-20, 2012. This elongated week celebrates friends and family snowmobiling. This special week compliments the Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign – ...Read more

A snowmobile and a motorcycle will simultaneously fly over water in the latest installment of Red Bull: New Year. No Limits. This year will bring together two incredible athletes who have found their way back to the annual New Year’s ...Read more

American Income Life has announced that all active members of SAM now have new benefits at no cost (see details). This includes a $3,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit at no cost. In addition, members who respond online or return ...Read more

As we enter the time of year where we reflect on those things we are grateful for and then start to think about those things we would like to give as gifts for the holidays, let us remember those who ...Read more

This past Saturday, November 14, the First Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference was held. Over one hundred trail enthusiast attended the day-long event presented by The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation ...Read more

Snowmobiling is in full stride around the world and now is the time for snowmobilers to keep snowmobile safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Snowmobile safety is nothing new to organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile Administrators, the manufacturers, snowmobile associations and clubs joined ...Read more

SAM clubs clearing trails are probably finding many downed trees and limbs due to the October Nor’easter and Hurricane Irene. The Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts are requesting assistance in identifying obstructed fire roads and emergency access points in the ...Read more

In the last issue we looked at future technology with regard to ABS brakes on sleds. This month we will follow that same thread and ask what other real world upgrades sled makers could give us? If you have been ...Read more

For the seventh consecutive year, state and provincial snowmobile organizations across North America are receiving contributions from the Polaris “Winning Riders” program, which generates support for the groups based on sales of new Polaris snowmobiles. From Newfoundland to Washington and ...Read more

Snowmobilers are more than just Snowmobilers. The season is just weeks away – that precious season we wait for… Winter! I stopped to think about the typical snowmobiler. We are not just about snowmobiling. We care about many things and are involved in ...Read more

As we look at the last 20 years of communication transformation, most are amazed. Communication amongst snowmobilers has changed forever and it appears the evolution will continue. The manufacturers and many in the industry are now active on the Internet ...Read more

In 2008, after losing longtime friend and colleague C.J. Ramstad to a tragic auto accident the year before, the International Snowmobile Media Council (ISMC) wanted to find a way to honor the renowned photojournalist, editor, publisher and political activist. Ramstad ...Read more

The NE PowerSport Expo is only days away! Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds, West Springfield (Directions). Doors Open Saturday at 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Look ...Read more

The NE PowerSport Expo is almost here! This Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds, West Springfield (Directions). Doors Open Saturday at 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Follow ...Read more

American Snowmobiler magazine has a feature story about SAM and trail riding in Massachusetts. Mike Carr, wrote, “One of the best kept secret sledding destinations is western Massachusetts, where the Berkshire Mountains offer venturesome sledders an abundance of snow and ...Read more

One of the longest-running Winter X Games events — Snowmobile SnoCross racing — will no longer be a part of the Winter X program, as of this coming January’s event in Aspen, Colo., X Games officials announced Thursday. SnoCross debuted ...Read more

Attention SAM Delegates and members. The October 6th SAM monthly meeting will be held at a new location, the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr, Northampton, MA, 01060, just off interstate 91 (map). Please make sure your club ...Read more

Versus TV will feature snowmobile videos from our friends at SnowTrails TV. The debut program will air Thursday 9/29 at 7:00am. So get up and watch it or fire up the Tivo. The following 12 episodes will always broadcast on ...Read more

This year will feature TWO distinct vintage displays! The Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile Club will host two vintage displays at The NE PowerSports Expo, October 15 and 16. 1) A salute to Arctic Cat’s 50th Anniversary. This section of the show ...Read more

Snowmobile enthusiasm in Russia is growing rapidly, with a reported 20% increase in sales in Europe and Russia combined. Snowmobiles are scarce, so the hard-core are building the machines themselves. The website Snowmobile.ru features some amazing homemade machines that show ...Read more

Ski-Doo unveiled big improvements for its 2012 MX Zx RS racing sled. The rear suspension, introduced last year as “PCX,” was a name only intended to disguise the rMotion name until the consumer version was introduced. For 2012, the rear ...Read more

The just announced 2012 Polaris 600 IQ Race Sled features race-ready suspension calibration that carried Polaris racers to podium finishes in the second half of last season. The 2012 Polaris 600 IQ Race Sled also features the title-winning Liberty 600 ...Read more

Attention SAM clubs: It is vital that you attend the upcoming trail preservation workshops created specifically for you. SAM and the Highland Communities Initiative are teaming up to insure that generations of riders will always enjoy access to snowmobile trails ...Read more

After having given more than $2,000,000 to snowmobile clubs in the past years through this program, BRP will continue its pledge to snowmobile clubs’ volunteers and their trails for the 2011-2012 snowmobile season. Every SAM Club has already been registered ...Read more

While most snowmobilers want to be riding the latest and greatest, hot, new sleds my buddies and I prefer the challenges of driving the old stuff. Three of us, Wally Black, Bob Gagnon and myself, were riding in the DAR ...Read more

Thinking about buying a new sled? AccuWeather.com’s Henry Margusity has posted his prediction for the upcoming winter. It looks as good if not better than last year. “The basis of the forecast is on the prediction that a weak La ...Read more

E15, what is it? E15, sometimes called gasohol, is a fuel mixture of 15% anhydrous ethanol and 85% gasoline. When reviewing this report, please note the US EPA has already recommended that E-15 fuel NOT be used in snowmobiles. Also ...Read more

Phil Mickelson of Snow Goer picks 5 historic Rotax snowmobile engines. Start asking questions, and you realize that each engine in that wall has its own special place in history, and in Phil’s heart. We asked him to share some ...Read more

Arctic Cat will celebrate the brand’s 50th Anniversary as thousands of loyal Arctic Cat enthusiasts converge upon Thief River Falls, MN on July 29th and 30th. The celebration will be open to the public and all events are free. Arctic ...Read more

A B-52 left Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts on January 24, 1963 and later crashed on Elephant Mountain in Greenville Maine. The site, which is accessible by snowmobile, is visited by thousands every year. The Bangor Daily New reports ...Read more

For years I have been taking riding trips all over the North East and have written about many of them for SAM and sledmass. This past trip was no exception. I took another trip up to Maine to do some exploring ...Read more

The summer is (finally) starting to get hot here in Minnesota and the manufacturing lines are heating up as well. Polaris Team Riders Chris Burandt, Randy Sherman, Dan Adams, and Keith Curtis were on hand to kick off the build ...Read more

The Friends of Snowmobiling Political Action Committee (FOSPAC) was initiated by the snowmobile community in response to our desire to continue the family snowmobiling tradition we have created here in the United States. Snowmobiling access is consistently under attack and ...Read more

What’s a snowmobiler to do when the weather is hot and sticky? Take a road trip north! Longtime snowmobile and Formula-1 race fans are familiar with the legend of Gilles Villeneuve and his family. The Montreal Gazette posted a detailed ...Read more

The 2012 Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program Grant Round is now open! Please visit the Recreational Trails Program website for grant guidelines, application materials, and paperwork guidelines: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/services-and-assistance/grants-and-technical-assistance/greenways-and-trails-program.html The 2012 Statewide Trail Education Grant Round is also open with the same ...Read more

DCR Releases Draft Map In Anticipation Of Its Second Workshop Series On Landscape Designations For State Properties SAM members are encouraged to attend these very important meetings that will outline public land use and recreation, such as snowmobiling. Meeting dates ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts will host the 2012 International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) in Sturbridge, MA. This is a once in a lifetime event for Massachusetts and we are very excited to play host to the world of snowmobiling. We ...Read more

The Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold a forum on the master plan for the Pittsfield State Forest area which include snowmobile trail areas such as Wahconah Falls! This plan will spell out what activities are allowed and which ...Read more

SAM members need to contact their U.S. Congressman and ask that they support the Recreational Trail Program (RTP). Losing RTP would be disastrous to the clubs that use the program to purchase grooming equipment and fund other projects that improve ...Read more

Herb Hilton has served his club as a board of director and as president for many years. He has attended just about every SAM meeting that anyone can recall, as well as volunteering at the Expo. Herb has volunteered on ...Read more

This year SAM recognized a member who has carried the torch longer than most have snowmobiled. He has been negotiating snowmobile access with private landowners and the DCR for an eternity. Well maybe not eternity, but I’m sure it seems ...Read more

This Sarafin family not only plays an active role in the club but participate in trail trims, bridge building and of course ride. In addition, they are all officers. They work at all functions, they are the ones who keep ...Read more

Some clubs are fortunate to have a local dealer who understands and supports grassroots snowmobiling. Matt Graves of A-1 Parts is noted for just that. Matt and his wife Camille are members of two clubs, attend and actively participate at ...Read more

Ross Helberg is the behind the scenes guy who is always out there trimming and grooming the trails. He regularly communicates with the DCR to ensure they are working within the guidelines to maintain the trail system. He is the ...Read more

The Coldbrook Snowmobile Club has a young member who sets the bar, not only for junior members, but members in general. He is the first to come, the last to leave, and always the first to volunteer to help. He ...Read more

As you know, every club or organization has members who could be called unsung heroes. This club is no different. Paul is up early every Saturday and Sunday, heading out to a meeting, to clear trails, or to groom. He ...Read more

The Knox Trail Sno-Riders have a keen understanding of what it takes for organized snowmobiling to succeed. Their actions speak volumes about their commitment. They are involved in local charity events, maintain a partnership with local DCR land managers, actively ...Read more

Throughout the years Roy and Jim Hoellerich have allowed the Adams Sno-Drifters and SAM members to access their land for a corridor trail. They allow the club to host activities, and support the concept of sleds using their property that ...Read more

Coldbrook Snowmobile Club members Robin Grant Briner, Massachusetts Environmental Police Officer William Woytek, and Dean Zuppio were recognized for saving the life of fellow SAM member David “Butch” C. Poudrier this past January. Their fast and professional actions saved Mr. ...Read more

Henry Burton, Legislative Correspondent for Congressman John Olver, meets with Randy Toth, Legislative Committee Chair for the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, during a visit to Washington D.C. on March 29, 2011. Randy was discussing the importance of the Recreation Trails ...Read more

Wow, March already… the holiday seasons are way behind us now. The Advent season is the time when we think most about “giving.” The Toys for Tots program was a success again this year with SAM giving over 150 toys ...Read more

Michigan Tech News reports that Clarkson University won the overall competition in the 12th Annual Clean Snowmobile Challenge held March 7-12 at Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center (KRC). Clarkson took top prize in the internal combustion category and third ...Read more

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette ran a story about several Coldbrook Snowmobile Club members who saved a fellow snowmobiler’s life earlier this winter. Photo (L-R) Robin Grant Briner, left, and Officer William Woytek, right, share a moment with David and ...Read more

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Arctic Cat pulled the cover off an all new snowmobile chassis. The new rider-forward ProCross chassis features a triangulated upper spar assembly and a tapered two-piece tunnel that reduces weight while adding strength. A new chain ...Read more

Spring Shows Scheduled: The Snowmobile Manufacturers have scheduled their spring shows! Mark your calendars and plan to attend to get a sneak peak at what the 2012 sleds have to offer. Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha will be introducing their ...Read more

In 1956, a young cement truck driver was opening a motorcycle shop on Alger Street in Adams, working 40 plus hours on the job, sometimes over 50 plus hours nights and weekends. This young man wanted to take a shot ...Read more

Polaris introduces nine new models, all based on the Pro-Ride chassis. The new line-up offers several versions of the Switchback, RMK and Rush are available for snowcheck. Early season orders have choices in windshield height, warranty and much more. Details ...Read more

The Easy Riders Snowmobile Club was featured in the MetroWest Daily News for giving rides to kids, most who have never snowmobiled before. “As part of the Ashland Coalition for Teens, members of the Easy Riders Snowmobile Club of Marlborough ...Read more

Years ago I wrote about a new rear suspension technology I believed was coming our way. The time was ripe, as we had been bumping around the trails on the same basic rear suspensions for years. Many sled companies and ...Read more

DCR has posted all of the written public comments the agency received regarding the Landscape Designation criteria and management guidelines, as part of this fall’s public process. SAM has been encouraging it’s members to keep informed and take part in the ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts announces the 2011 Charlene Whitaker SAM Scholarship. SAM members can also apply for two other scholarships, the Northeast Chapter ISC Scholarship and the CJ Ramstad Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship awards are: Charlene Whitaker Scholarship – ...Read more

“O.K., onto my favorite subject”… that’s what most of us say when we’re talking about snowmobiling. Those were the first words Charlene Whitaker said when we started this interview for our story. Knowing this lady, and knowing what she’s done ...Read more

Weather Alert! Groomer operators ask riders to please stay off the trails on warm days, like those expected this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Staying off the trails will give groomer operators a chance to address trail conditions with the return ...Read more

The man remembered by many as the Godfather of Snowmobiling has passed away at the age of 90. Edgar Hetteen, who co-founded Polaris Industries in 1954 in Roseau, and founded Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, died Saturday in Grand ...Read more

Volunteers are the heart and soul of snowmobiling. Without them there wouldn’t be anywhere to ride. No trails, no clubs, no events, no leadership, no future. Snowmobiling would simply cease to exist. Every year SAM recognizes volunteers who go above ...Read more

The SAM Board of Directors invite you to celebrate your association at the upcoming SAM Annual Meeting and Dinner on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Relax and enjoy dinner with your friends, while you participate in the business meeting and the ...Read more

Ski-Doo announced a new rear suspension for 2012 sleds, dubbed rMotion. BRP claims the skid offers the most travel in the industry, more capability, comfort and adjustability. A totally rising-rate skidframe that fits neatly inside the tunnel. A trick new ...Read more

The Hampshire County Legends of Snowmobiling: Charlie Kott of the Burgy Bullets, Ralph Hathaway of the Chesterfield Four Seasons Club and Horace “Whitey” Whitaker of the Worthington Snowmobile Club. Sometime around the first of the year in 2010, Robert “Bob” ...Read more

The Leicester Snowmobile Club was recently featured in The Daily Leicester.com. It’s a slice of life story about snowmobiling. Even better, the story is geared towards the non-snowmobiling public. “The best days are when the sun is out, and we ...Read more

WWLP Ch 22 News reports the Burgy Bullets Snowmobile Club being credited by the Northampton Fire Department for getting a snowmobile and rescue sled that can be used to respond to emergencies. Tim McQuestion, Deputy Chief of the Northampton Fire ...Read more

Want a chance to win a top-of-the-line sled and support grass-roots snowmobiling? The American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) will be holding their annual Snowmobile Grand Raffle. Four of the best sleds on the snow will be awarded, one from ...Read more

I have a confession to make- I don’t know much about oil! Oh sure, I’ve done a lot of research on this slippery liquid called bubblin’ crude, but soon realized the more I knew the less I understood about all ...Read more

The Start Tribune of Minneapolis-St Paul reports that sales are up for Arctic Cat and Polaris after several years of decline. Polaris reported a 31 percent increase in revenue. Thief River Falls-based Arctic Cat said sales for the third quarter ...Read more

We all look for them and smile when we find them. No, I’m not talking about the winning lottery numbers. But if you have those and would like to share them, give me a call. What I am talking about ...Read more

A record number of electric snowmobiles have registered for the 2011 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, set for March 7-12 at Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center. This year, they will be greener than ever according to Michigan Tech, were more ...Read more

(The photo above depicts the founding fathers of SAM viewing a new piece of equipment that was purchased to send newsletters to members in 1972.) I hope that by now you have all seen billions of the “white flakes” in ...Read more

ACSA’s 2011 eBay Charity Auction is LIVE! Items are listed and bids are currently being accepted. There are items from gift certificates to lodging to riding gear to a snowmobile trailer. Additional items are being added daily. 100% of the proceeds will go to ACSA ...Read more

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette featured a story and video about SAM’s Mass Vintage Club ride, which was hosted by the Coldbrook Snowmobile Club. They report: “The Coldbrook Snowmobile Club hosted a ride for vintage snowmobiles yesterday at the Lake ...Read more

On this fine day, a small group of us headed out from the Worcester area to go riding. We had never been on the trails from Northfield Center heading west so we figured it would be a good day to ...Read more

Sure, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the go-to site for the latest weather forecasts, but did you know they have even more data for snowmobilers? Their snow depth map is an invaluable tool when planning a ride, ...Read more

It is time to comment on the future of our public lands. Don’t wait! Late this past fall the Department of Conservation and Recreation held several public meetings across the state. The Forest Futures Visioning Process workshops were designed to ...Read more

January 16 to 22, 2011 marks International Snowmobile Safety Week, the annual reminder to everyone involved in the sport to have but ride safe. Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting family activity enjoyed by over 4 million people across the United ...Read more

The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts announces their trail safety and enforcement grants. Recognizing that the first major snowfall will allow snowmobile enthusiasts an opportunity to ride, the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SAM) announces the implementation of a $5,000 Trails Safety ...Read more

Never consider ice safe. The up and down temperatures have made ice conditions unpredictable all over New England. There have been several instances of people going through the ice this winter, including riders on snowmobiles. MassWildlife has posted ice strength ...Read more

Jesse Csincsak, who won the fourth season of “The Bachelorette” TV series is being credited with saving the life of a man who got lost while snowboarding near vail Colorado. Csincsak, who was snowmobiling with friends came upon the wandering ...Read more

Last January my husband Andy and I, along with a small group of friends, took a drive out to Hawley, Massachusetts to ride in the state park and club trails in that area. As usual, it was fun to go ...Read more

Starting your snowmobile may seem like a very simple and safe operation. It generally is, but occasionally this simple act can turn embarrassing, costly, or even deadly when “Sleds Go Wild.” It is quite an experience to witness a snowmobile ...Read more

For those of us not lucky enough to be retired and permanently settled in snow country or others that can load their sled in the back of a pickup truck, the rest of us will have to deal with a ...Read more

Going to high school in Dolgeville, New York may be a dream come true for many students. Located between Utica and Schenectady, the Dolgeville Central School Board of Education recently gave the green light to students who want to ride ...Read more

Last Monday’s blizzard dropped about two-feet of snow in the Berkshires and winds in excess of 50mph were reported across the state. Warm and comfortable in bed, Brian Janik, president of the Adams Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club, got a wake-up call ...Read more

Update: Lavallee did record a world record of 361 feet in practice before his off. Check out the video at the bottom of this post. We reported in November that seven-time Winter X Games medalist and champion snocross racer Levi ...Read more

OK, I admit it. I made some mistakes on my last article, Ethanol in Gasoline. Some astute readers and fans caught me and I’m guilty! Give me a country club prison, please! Alright, let’s get right to it and “right ...Read more

The state passed new legislation that requires three inch registration numbers on snowmobiles starting in February. SAM opposed this legislation but it still managed to pass. We understand the state is currently working on a plan to implement the new rule ...Read more

I admit it. I’m an obsessive fan of technology. Cars, snowmobiles, computers, handheld devices, medical breakthroughs… the scope of technological advances are absolutely stunning. However, there are always negative aspects of new technologies, be it the discovery of fire or ...Read more

A little thing happened to me on the way to grandma’s house this year. I was stopped for speeding in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Don’t let the fact that VA and MA are both Commonwealth states fool you. I don’t ...Read more

We know it took a while but the new sledmass forums are up and running! The format is similar to what we had previous seasons, although there are more features. Login into your sledmass account from the home page and ...Read more

Vintage Madness! Well I’ve finally done it – I took the plunge into vintage sled restoration. This has been an idea brewing in my head for years now, which finally came to fruition. Earlier on in my life I owned ...Read more

Things have been going on at a fever pitch here in the man cave. The 1976 Mercury Trail Twister is starting to look like a real snowmobile, as the amount of work that I have put into this sled last ...Read more

“It’s alive,” I shouted! My wife thought I was crazy to say this, but I wanted her there just in case one of the pistons launched itself into orbit and took me with it! The motor started right up with ...Read more

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has posted a draft document, Landscape Designations for DCR Parks & Forests: Selection Criteria and Management Guidelines. SAM members should take the time to review the document and understand how it will effect ...Read more

A trip to Europe may not be in the budget this year but that hardly means a snowmobile trip is out of reach. Just a few miles north of the Maine border lie the quaint villages of the Quebec Maritime ...Read more

The snowmobile community is excited to announce the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week – which will be held February 12-21, 2011. This elongated week celebrates friends and family snowmobiling. This special week compliments the Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign – ...Read more

A lot has happened since the first report of a Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts Youth Club. Here is an update. The idea of the Youth Council was overwhelmingly supported by the SAM delegates at the November meeting. A sign-up sheet ...Read more

The Mass Vintage Snowmobile Club (MVSC) has selected three clubs to host the 2011 SAM vintage rides. The events, which have become extremely popular the past few years, allow SAM members to ride their vintage sleds in a parade-like atmosphere. ...Read more

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has Announced an educational Grant Program. “Through the federally-funded Recreational Trails Program, a state may elect to set aside 5% of its apportionment to be allocated to educational projects which benefit all trail user groups. ...Read more

AccuWeather.com Chief Long-Range Meteorologist Joe Bastardi is predicting early snow in the Northeast for the upcoming season. Although the temperatures will be seasonable, he predicts above average snowfall in the Northeast. He also hints that the snow will stay north ...Read more

A SAM Youth Club was proposed at the October SAM meeting by Vice President, Paul Trova. The idea received overwhelming response by the Delegates and will be discussed further at an upcoming SAM meeting. The following outlines the basic proposal. ...Read more

Could electric snowmobiles become a reality? A story by the Finnish publication Helsingin Sanomat reports a silent running snowmobile being tested in a laboratory atop the Arctic Circle. The plan is to put the electric machines into service for the ...Read more

Hungry for some snowmobile action? The first Snocross action of the season kicks-off this weekend, as the ISOC Racing Series starts Friday, 11/26. The three day event at Spirit Mountain in Duluth Minnesota culminates with the Pro Open final on ...Read more

Toys for Tots is a program that helps distribute new toys to children who may not get a Christmas gift otherwise. There are many more families this year who are having a hard time feeding and clothing their kids and ...Read more

Pure Polaris Unveils NEW Website to Enhance Riders’ Online Experience Easy-to-Navigate Site Features More Product & Fitment Information The new Pure Polaris® website makes it quick, easy and efficient for riders to find the premium-quality accessories and branded apparel they ...Read more

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. (VAST) announces the final findings of the “Snowmobile Trail Chemistry Study,” completed during the winter of 2009/2010. Snowmelt and runoff chemistry monitoring indicated no detectable levels of volatile organic compounds or total hydrocarbons ...Read more

Question: Would you jump at the chance to meet a famous racing legend from yesteryear? Answer-You bet I would! So, it was off to Concord NH last February for the NH Snowmobile Museum’s first ever Doug Hayes / Merc Twister ...Read more

SnowTrails TV is produced by “Video Mike” and shares his passion for snowmobiling and TV/Video media production. Enjoy the 8th season broadcast on Public TV (PBS). SnowTrailsTV is a snowmobile reality TV and Web series. Ride with Video Mike, exploring ...Read more

The winter of 2010-2011 is rapidly approaching and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association has prepared for safety trainers and snowmobile enthusiasts some new and updated Safe Riders! campaign material. The material consists of a 22 minute safety video that is ...Read more

I hope everyone’s favorite candidate has been elected and that we may even have elected some avid snowmobilers and some new supporters to our legislature. This would be a refreshing change for us down in Boston. There’s an old saying ...Read more

I sit and sometimes wonder what have I accomplished with my life and if I could do it over what would I change. I am sure you have all done the same thing once or twice. I’d probably get a ...Read more

Levi LaVallee to Attempt Record-Breaking Snowmobile Distance Jump On New Year’s Eve, Live From The Port of San Diego. While our friends to the north call them snowmachines, most of us know them as snowmobiles, and the hipper folks simply ...Read more

The winners of the ACSA calendar raffle drawing for October have been posted on the ACSA website. Two snowmobilers from Mass have won! The new 2011 ACSA (American Council of Snowmobile Associations) Limited Edition Raffle Calendars are now available for ...Read more

SAM members and clubs are urged to attend and participate in the DCR’s Forest Futures Visioning Process which will outline the future of recreation opportunities on public land in MA (see schedule below). It’s important that the DCR is aware ...Read more

Have you heard of the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA)? It describes itself as a national ‘human-powered winter sports’ group and therefore promotes access for backcountry/cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It exists to spin the truth about snowmobiles and is headquartered in ...Read more

Want to take a safety course but can’t fit it into your busy schedule? Try the new online Vermont State Police official safety course. The free course is user-friendly and self-directed. Study as much as you need to know, as ...Read more

The Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal reports that Arctic Cat CEO Christopher Twomey, who led the snowmobile maker for 24 years, will step down at the end of 2010. Cat reported second quarter earnings up 20 percent on higher ...Read more

Concerned about proposed increases of ethanol (from E10 to E15) in your sled? Read on… The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partially granting a waiver to allow gasoline that contains greater than 10 volume percent ethanol and up to 15 volume ...Read more

FAMILY OF THE YEAR: The Decoigne family. Doug, Debb and Doug Jr. of the Savoy Kanary Kats. This years recipient are Trail Gurus. For them, the work starts during the snowmobile off-season and doesn’t end until the trails are fixed. ...Read more

We invite you to attend the 18th Annual Expo Show sponsored by the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts at the Big E grounds, W. Springfield, MA. Directions. Saturday, October 16, 2010 Doors Open @ 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday, October ...Read more

The Massachusetts Vintage Snowmobile Club will be having a vintage display of sleds at The NE PowerSports Expo, October 16 and 17. Anyone who wishes to join in the fun and display their vintage sled must have their sled in ...Read more

Anyone who enjoys vintage sleds, snowmobile racing or even old photos should bookmark the late CJ Ramstad’s webpage, snowpod. The website features a new photo every day. Many are of truly historic events. The International Snowmobile Media Council awards a ...Read more

Many of you have heard about new legislation passed this summer that regulates Recreation Vehicles, Off-Highway Vehicles and Snow Vehicles. SAM worked hard to ensure that safe, enjoyable snowmobiling continues in Massachusetts. Below is a summary report that may answer ...Read more

Have you ever said, “Hey, where is my snowmobile? I last saw it sitting: A) in my yard. B) on my trailer. C) in my garage. D) outside a restaurant. E) outside my motel room. or F) sitting at the ...Read more

Team Arctic’s Billy Howard set a world speed record with a stock sled on asphalt at Empire Dragway in Leicester, N.Y. on September 10. Aboard a stock, race-prepped Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo equipped with an asphalt drag track, boosted turbocharger ...Read more

Welcome to the new sledmass website. The name’s the same but the face is far prettier. It wasn’t just cosmetic surgery that brought out her inner beauty, there was a full heart and lung transplant, too. The overhaul is major. ...Read more

The day of father-son bonding over mechanized aluminum was upon us. When the kids were little, they never showed much interest in tinkering, but now that Danny has his first sled he asks if we can go down in the ...Read more

The Hilltown Snowmobile Club entertained twenty students from Mexico last February during the club’s Winter Day Activities held at Peppermint Park Resort in Plainfield. The visitors were part of an exchange program between Sanderson Academy and Escuela Lomas Altas in ...Read more

I hope March finds everyone tired from lots of snowmobiling. Our season seems so short but full of activity in those few months. Please remember to get in your charity reports to Rena Sumner or myself, as soon as possible. ...Read more

Ceramic Coating on a Snowmobile Pipe. Are the performance gains real or a rip-off? It’s 20 below zero, you are blasting down the trail with your sled and something does not seem quite right. The engine doesn’t seem to have the ...Read more

How to sing the Carb Cable Blues. There’s nothing like wrapping your glove-covered hands around the pull cord of your freshly tuned and restored vintage snowmobile. This was the beginning of what was planned to be a great day of riding ...Read more

Hotflash decided to chain his replacement flashlight to the outside of his sled to avoid any unplanned meltdowns (You remember what happened to his last flashlight, don’t you?). He purchased a small heavy-duty piece of casehardened chain and attached one ...Read more

Well, my sled is back together and I had ridden it around the yard until I was bored. At that point I decided that it needed to hit the trails, to make sure things are fixed. I had been in ...Read more

While working on the trail system for my club this past fall, I slowly came to recognize that there is a definite shift towards an increasing amount of time being spent with both state and local public agencies while the ...Read more

Safety…everywhere we go we hear about safety! We talk the talk…we walk the walk…but do we walk the talk? I made this same comment in 2006 when the SAM Trails and Safety Grant Program originated. At that time Delegates voted ...Read more

There are big boy toys for every season: snowmobiles, ATVs including quads and dirt bikes, and watercraft including powered boats and personal watercraft (PWCs). Snowmobiles win the best toy challenge and here’s why! Comparing things like range of use, environmental impact, ...Read more

Picture this: You pull up on your snowmobile to the gasoline pump, lift the handle and are going to fill up. Before you do you notice the sign on the gas pump that says, “contains 10% ethanol.” So, you top-off ...Read more

“Where can I get a trail map?” has to be the most frequently asked question club administrators hear every year. I get dozens of inquiries as soon as the first snowflake touches down. A seemingly simple question, but the answer ...Read more

Can you believe that it is that time of year again? Where did the summer go? For many members the last communication you would have had from SAM was the March magazine “On the Trails with SAM” and for this ...Read more

There are many ways for visitors to experience the collection of Andy Avelis, as a passionate snowmobiler, a designer, or as a financial consultant. For the snowmobiler there is a story in every square inch of the 28’ x 50’ ...Read more

Fade to White: A story about snowmobiling and family Sitting here at the lake watching the kids fish on the dock. All of them are in search of the big lunker that is lurking just under the dock. “Can you ...Read more